Arsenal could be forced into another defensive reshuffle when they travel to Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Ben White is reportedly being assessed after suffering a groin problem during Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland.
That leaves Mikel Arteta with a decision at right-back, particularly with Jurriën Timber only just returning from a lengthy absence and Cristhian Mosquera yet to make his comeback.
The situation could open the door for 17-year-old Marli Salmon at Portman Road.
ReadArsenal has already covered the fresh Ben White injury concern before Ipswich, but here is the wider Arsenal injury picture ahead of Tuesday’s tie.
Ben White
White is the newest concern.
The defender started at Sunderland before being replaced by Timber at half-time.
SunSport reports White suffered a groin issue and is now being assessed ahead of the Ipswich match.
That is a fresh setback after Arteta had declared White fit before the Sunderland game following another scare against Napoli.
White should therefore be considered a doubt rather than definitely ruled out until Arsenal provide an official update.
Status: Doubt
Potential return: Ipswich — subject to assessment
Jurrien Timber
Timber finally made his competitive return at Sunderland.
The Netherlands international replaced White at half-time after spending months recovering from a groin problem.
Before the Sunderland match, Arteta said Timber had been training well and looked in good shape.
The question now is workload.
Starting Timber at Ipswich only days after his first meaningful minutes of the season could be considered an unnecessary risk.
ReadArsenal previously explained how Timber travelled to Napoli but was left out of the matchday squad as Arsenal managed his return carefully.
Status: Available
Ipswich chance: Possible, but minutes may be managed
Cristhian Mosquera
Mosquera looks much closer.
The summer signing has been missing since suffering a muscular problem against Aston Villa.
Arteta said before Sunderland that Mosquera was progressing well and suggested he could return either against Sunderland or in the following game against Ipswich.
He ultimately missed the Sunderland squad.
That makes Tuesday the next obvious target.
A Mosquera return would be particularly useful given White’s fresh concern and the likelihood of Arteta rotating Ezri Konsa and Gabriel.
Status: Close to return
Potential return: Ipswich
William Saliba
Saliba remains Arsenal’s clearest long-term absentee.
The France international aggravated a back problem during the World Cup and has yet to play this season.
Arteta has previously stressed that Arsenal must respect the healing process, with no firm return date currently established. Standard Sport suggested his comeback may not arrive until November or December.
Saliba therefore has no chance of featuring at Portman Road.
Status: Out
Potential return: Unknown
Marli Salmon could benefit
The defensive situation creates a genuine opportunity for Salmon.
The 17-year-old has trained regularly with Arteta’s senior squad and can play at both centre-back and right-back.
SunSport reports he could now be considered for a Carabao Cup opportunity if White misses out and Arsenal decide against risking Timber from the start.
That possibility also shaped ReadArsenal’s predicted Arsenal XI against Ipswich.
Tuesday therefore represents a potentially significant night for Hale End.
White’s condition remains the key development to watch, while Mosquera’s potential return could give Arteta considerably more flexibility before the 8pm kick-off.
Supporters can find the broadcast details in our Ipswich vs Arsenal TV and live-stream guide.
Mikel Arteta fumes over ‘unacceptable’ Arsenal decision after Sunderland win
Mikel Arteta fumes over ‘unacceptable’ Arsenal decision after Sunderland win
Arsenal face familiar Sunderland threat after 94th-minute heartbreak
Arsenal face familiar Sunderland threat after 94th-minute heartbreak