Raheem Sterling could do something for the first time in his career during Arsenal vs Monaco

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing something of an injury crisis within his squad ahead of a huge clash with AS Monaco in the Champions League.

The Gunners sit just above the French outfit in the league phase, knowing a win for either team would put them in pole position for a top-eight finish.

It’s key for Arsenal to reach the top end of the table, giving them a guaranteed pass to the Champions League round of 16 and avoiding two extra games in a two-legged play-off.

Whether they manage that or not could be down to the depth of the squad coming in to fill out the backline.

Arsenal’s injury issues have worsened in recent weeks, particularly in defence, where up to seven players could be missing.

It may prompt some rather unusual moves from Mikel Arteta, with one move in particular offering a slightly different role for Raheem Sterling.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta sends warning to Riccardo Calafiori as cause of Arsenal injury crisis is revealed

Raheem Sterling could be offered wing-back role for Arsenal vs Monaco

With so many injuries at the back, Arsenal may need to call on some creative solutions to the issues they face.

When even Hale End academy stars are facing injury concerns, it may be time to place some stars in new positions.

A 3-5-2 or a 3-4-3 may offer the Gunners some chance of building out well from the back with their limited numbers while having enough attacking threats out wide.

While Kieran Tierney, Jakub Kiwior and William Saliba are the only guaranteed fit first-team options at the back, there may be some shifting around required.

That may see Bukayo Saka shifted to wing-back, a position he has played before in his career, but his threat at the top end of the pitch and the general connection with Martin Odegaard offers plenty.

So if Arteta wants to offer a chance to someone else during the crisis, then perhaps Sterling is his best bet.

The forward has been excellent at ball-carrying and has shown some lively moments in his cameos so far for the club.

A move to wing-back would be the first time in his career that he has featured there, but it may give him a chance to impress and a solution to the injury issues.

• READ MORE: Arsene Wenger shows Mikel Arteta what Arsenal cannot do against Monaco – it was costly last time

Raheem Sterling position career stats

Part of the allure of having Sterling on loan from Chelsea is the versatile nature of the star and the quality he can offer.

Throughout his career so far, the 30-year-old has played on the left wing, the right wing, striker and in attacking midfield.

A move to wing-back may offer a new way into the team for Sterling, who has found it tough so far at Arsenal.

It remains to be seen if that option is taken up by Arteta, with the manager more likely to shuffle around his back four on Wednesday night.