Mikel Arteta has a huge selection decision to make when it comes to the Arsenal defence against Liverpool on Sunday.
William Saliba was sent off in the first half of Arsenal’s 2-0 defeat against Bournemouth last time out.
Due to this, the Frenchman has picked up a one-match ban in the Premier League. However, there is a suggestion that Arsenal may appeal against the red card.
As things stand though, Mikel Arteta will be without Saliba when his side take on Liverpool. The 23-year-old has been an ever-present at the back for the Gunners in recent years, meaning the Spanish coach will now need to find a new partner for Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back.
Arsenal’s best options to replace William Saliba vs Liverpool
Ben White
The factor that makes Ben White the ideal choice to step into the heart of the rearguard alongside Gabriel is that he has partnered the Brazilian regularly in the past.
In his first season at the Emirates Stadium, prior to his switch to right-back following Saliba’s emergence, White was a regular at centre-back and generally impressed in the role. This connection that already exists between him and Gabriel should make him the first choice to replace Saliba.
White also has the advantage of, like Saliba, being right-footed. This makes him a more natural fit alongside the left-footed Gabriel.
Riccardo Calafiori
If Arteta decides that White needs to remain stationed on the right flank of the defence, then Riccardo Calafiori is the next best option to take up a central role at the back.
The Italian has most commonly featured at left-back for the Gunners, but has operated as a centre-back regularly previously in his career, and impressed in the role for his country at Euro 2024.
Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott wants Calafiori to stand in for Saliba against the Reds.
Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber would be higher on this list were it not for his recent fitness concerns. The Dutchman has not featured for Arsenal since their win over Leicester City in late September.
Arteta has insisted that Timber is close to a return, and he may well be fit to play some part against Liverpool, but the manager would be unwise to rush the former Ajax man back into action.
Assuming that the Dutchman is fully fit to start on Sunday, the argument in favour of his inclusion beside Gabriel is obvious as the 23-year-old is a versatile defender, comfortable in any role across the back line, and he has always impressed when called upon.
However, Timber has never started at centre-back for Arsenal before, and this fixture would represent something of a baptism of fire for him in that regard.
Jakub Kiwior
Jakub Kiwior has been a rotation option throughout his time at Arsenal, but does not appear to be threatening to climb the pecking order.
The Poland international endured a nightmare last time out as he was brought on as a first half substitute against Bournemouth following Saliba’s dismissal, but was then hooked himself before full-time after his error led to David Raya conceding a penalty.
Arteta seems to have lost patience with Kiwior, and it is hard to imagine him being trusted to hold the Merseyside outfit at bay.
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