Injuries and suspensions have already caused huge problems for Arsenal so far this season.
Mikel Arteta has seen his plans for this campaign so far persistently thrown into turmoil, as injuries and bans have piled up at Arsenal in recent weeks.
Martin Odegaard remains injured, whilst Bukayo Saka missed Saturday’s defeat at the hands of Bournemouth and remains a doubt heading into this evening’s Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
On top of that, Jurrien Timber is still struggling for fitness, and the Gunners will be without William Saliba against Liverpool on Sunday, as the French centre-back will serve a one-match Premier League suspension after picking up a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity against the Cherries.
Saliba became the third Arsenal player already this season to be given his marching orders when he was dismissed on Saturday, after Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard picked up red cards against Brighton and Manchester City, respectively.
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Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal leadership group confession
These injuries and suspensions have created numerous team selection difficulties for Arteta to have to overcome, not least when it comes to who ought to wear the captain’s armband.
Odegaard is the club captain, and Saka routinely wears the armband in the Norwegian playmaker’s absence. Rice might also be considered part of the leadership group, but this trio have all missed matches this season.
Against Bournemouth, Gabriel Magalhaes was handed the honour of leading the team out.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk, Arteta discussed the impact that these absences have had on the leadership group within the squad.
The Spanish coach stated: “It’s extending, because we have so many player missing. Every game we are going, ‘ok, who is captain now?’ So we are bringing in the options every single time. Last time it had to be Big Gabi.
“We have to make that because of the domino effect of so many players that are first in line not being available to play.”
Arsenal need leaders to stand up
The Gunners need their leaders within the group, whether they are wearing the armband or not, to stand up and be counted now.
Having seen their unbeaten start to the season come to an end on the south coast, Arsenal must bounce back quickly. This will be a test of their character, particularly when they return to Premier League action against the high-flying Liverpool without Saliba or Odegaard to call upon.
Arteta has alternatives to Saliba to consider, but the Gunners need to go into that match with the right mentality, believing that they can win even without those talismanic figures present in the side.
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