Arsenal have been dealt an apparent injury blow just minutes before their FA Cup fourth round clash against Wigan Athletic.
Riccardo Calafiori was named in the starting XI for the clash at the Emirates, but five minutes before the game, it was announced by the Gunners that the Italian was out.
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori looks on
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Calafiori has been in and out of the team this year due to injuryCredit: Getty
Riccardo Calafiori in Arsenal warm-up training
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He had been selected to start against Wigan in the FA CupCredit: Getty
Bukayo Saka has taken his place in the starting XI and has also claimed the captain's armband.
Ben White had been due to wear the armband with Martin Odegaard not in the squad.
This is the latest setback for the Calafiori, who has been hit with injuries this season.
It is also the second time that he's been injured in the warm-up ahead of a game this term.
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The same thing also happened against Brighton on December 27, which saw Myles Lewis-Skelly replace in the line-up.
It was a situation that left Stuart Pearce baffled on talkSPORT's commentary.
He said: "I was looking for Calafiori and couldn't see him at all."
Calafiori has been in and out all season, and his latest absence means that Lewis-Skelly has dropped back to left-back.
He was due to get the chance in midfield, but this injury has forced him to left-back.
In truth, it's made no difference in the game with Arsenal already 4-0 up over Wigan at the Emirates.
Bukayo Saka in action against Wigan
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Saka was drafted into the line-up following Calafiori's withdrawalCredit: Getty
Problem
There is no doubt that Calafiori is a top player and very important to the way Arsenal play when he's at left-back.
This is because he is extremely attacking while also having the physicality of a centre-back.
When he plays, the Gunners have an extra runner for their midfielders to find.
But when he's out, Lewis-Skelly or Piero Hincapie don't offer as much in the attacking third.
It remains to be seen what the problem is, but it's contributing to a very stop-start campaign for the Italian international.
If he is out for any period of time, it could be a blow for Arsenal as they look to compete on four fronts for the remainder of the season.
The Gunners have the Carabao Cup final coming up in March, the last-16 of the Champions League, the next round of the FA Cup and the Premier League title all still to play for.
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Fortunately for Arsenal, they have the most defensive depth in the Premier League, and they've been able to cover Calafiori's absence without having anyone out of position.
However, as mentioned, his attacking ability does offer a different dynamic to this Arsenal side.