Mikel Arteta must navigate a tough situation as star defender William Saliba is suspended after a red card against Bournemouth. With injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, the Gunners are in a tight spot.

Navigating Defensive Challenges Ahead of Liverpool Clash**As Arsenal gears up for an important Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk, Mikel Arteta is faced with a significant challenge following William Saliba’s red card during the recent defeat to Bournemouth. The upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool looms large, and the absence of Saliba has raised questions about how Arteta will adjust his defensive strategy.In the aftermath of the 2-0 loss to Bournemouth, where Arsenal struggled even before Saliba’s dismissal for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity, the team’s momentum has taken a hit. This red card not only affected the match outcome but also placed Arsenal at a disadvantage in the tight race for the top spots in the league, trailing Liverpool and Manchester City.Arteta addressed the pressing issue of playing with ten men in his pre-match press conference. “Playing with 10 men is clearly an issue,” he stated. He emphasized that Arsenal cannot afford to repeatedly find themselves in such precarious situations, particularly against formidable opponents. With three red cards already this season, Arteta acknowledged the need for his players to be more disciplined, recognizing that competing against ten men for an extended period makes securing victories exceedingly difficult.As Saliba prepares to miss the Liverpool match, Arteta has to consider his options for a replacement. Jakub Kiwior, who stepped in after the red card against Bournemouth, demonstrated a degree of inconsistency, culminating in a mistake that led to a decisive penalty for Bournemouth. This performance raises concerns about whether he is ready for a high-stakes encounter against Liverpool.Arteta may also contemplate shifting Ben White or Jurrien Timber into the central defense position. Timber, who missed the Bournemouth game due to injury, could potentially be back in the mix for the Champions League clash. Arteta remarked on Timber’s recovery, noting that he might be “close” to returning to full training with the squad. If Timber can successfully reintegrate into the team before the Liverpool match, he could provide a more stable option alongside Gabriel in central defense.As the Gunners prepare for two crucial fixtures, the immediate challenge is to find a suitable defensive arrangement that can withstand Liverpool’s attacking threats. Arteta’s ability to adapt his strategy in light of Saliba’s suspension will be vital not only for the upcoming Champions League match but also for maintaining Arsenal’s competitive edge in the Premier League.The stakes are high for Arsenal, and with Arteta’s tactical acumen and a focus on player discipline, the team will aim to rebound from recent setbacks and secure positive results in the challenging weeks ahead.