Arsenal are returning from their mid-season break to Dubai with less fit and available players than when they departed for the warmer climate.
Arsenal were hoping that a warm weather break to Dubai would rekindle the form that saw them win 16 out of their last 18 Premier League games last season.
However, disaster has struck the Gunners, Gabriel Martinelli is set to miss a month with a hamstring injury and that has been followed up by the news that Kai Havertz will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring tear.
The setbacks add to Mikel Arteta’s woes as he is already without Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus and now has just three forward options available for the trip to Leicester City.
Three ways Arsenal could line up in the absence of Kai Havertz
Arsenal have three potential Havertz replacements in the centre forward role however, with the German providing such a focal point in the 4-3-3 system, Arteta could be forced to change tactics completely in his absence.
Here are three ways that the Gunners could set up with the limited options available ahead of crucial fixtures in the Premier League and Champions League.
Arteta keeps his style of play and formation with Trossard in the central role
Arteta has set Arsenal up the same way for the last four seasons in a fluid 4-3-3 system. In recent seasons, the formation has developed with inverted full backs and the two central midfielders creating overloads in wide positions but the front three has stayed in place.
It is probable that the Spaniard will stick to his guns and try and use what options he has left to fit into this system. Leandro Trossard would be the most natural fit to play in the central striker role and recently played there against Girona.
In that encounter in Spain, the Belgian was fluid in his positioning with Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri and this could be the way to go initially for the Gunners, ahead of the Leicester City clash.
Arteta to make use of the returning Ben White in ambitious formation change
One positive from the trip to Dubai for Arsenal was that Ben White has returned to first team training. The England international has recovered from minor knee surgery and could be available to play against Leicester.
Jurrien Timber has been outstanding in White’s absence but the pair could combine down the right hand side in a 3-5-2 system. This would also provide Arsenal with two players centrally in attacking areas and give them more bodies in the box.
The system would rely on the wing backs and captain Martin Odegaard providing chances for the front two. Nwaneri would get the nod over Sterling, who has not been in great form since arriving at the Emirates Stadium.
Last resort for Arteta as Mikel Merino lines up as an auxiliary centre forward
Arteta likes his number nines to provide a physical focal point in attack and whilst Trossard is intelligent with movement, he is not the imposing figure that the manager prefers.
Enter Mikel Merino, a player who has yet to shine since arriving at the club but could now provide the Gunners with a lifeline in their hour of need.
Memories of Marouane Fellaini lining up as centre forward under David Moyes come flooding back but Arsenal are really running out of options. There may be a time that against a low block balls into the box are required and one of Merino’s strengths is certainly attacking the ball in the air.
How Arteta sets his team up remains to be seen but what is clear for the Gunners is that now more than ever players are going to have to start taking responsibility and chipping in with goals from around the pitch.
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