Mikel Arteta has been dealt a major blow with two of his first choice backline set to miss the rest of the season for Arsenal. It comes after the Gunners were able to keep the pressure on leaders Manchester City at the top of the table with a 2-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday.
That result narrowed the gap back down to one point after Pep Guardiola's side had opened up a four point buffer by beating Leeds on Saturday. The Citizens do have the task of preparing for a second-leg Champions League match against Real Madrid while also handing their domestic responsibilites away to Everton on Sunday.
They play first once again and will be able to move to within two wins of the league should they prove to be victorious in Merseyside. For Arsenal, all they can do is keep asking questions of the reigning champions. They will have to do it without two keystones of the side that has gotten them this far, though.
READ MORE: William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko to miss rest of season amid Arsenal injury blow
It was revealed on Thursday evening that both Wiliam Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko will be out for the rest of the season. The Athletic report that Saliba's recovery hasn't been as positive as hoped, with Arteta repeating that there were only small doses of optimism of him appearing again.
As for Zinchenko, he was taken off in the second half against Newcastle for what initially seemed to be a tactical change but the calf strain is now bad enough to sideline him for the remaining three games. The show must go on for Arsenal, though, and Arteta needs to find a way to get six points out of games against Brighton and Nottingham Forest in order to keep the title race heading to the final day.
Here's how he could line-up for the rest of the season.
Aaron Ramsdale
No change in goal for Arteta who can still rely on his trusty No1. Ramsdale was brilliant against Newcastle and has saved his side in recent weeks despite criticism for his mistakes.
Benjamin White
Luckily for Arsenal they have depth at fullback. With Takehiro Tomiyasu already out for the season himself, White has soldiered on in his new right-back spot has continued to impress. They'll need his reinforcement to keep the rearguard strong.
Jakub Kiwior
It's been a baptism of fire recently with the Pole. Signed in January with an unexpected title charge, he has now had to fill in after Rob Holding's struggles. He is the man tasked with replacing Saliba's incredible presence and talent. Arteta has few other options available to him having been made to pay for Holding's errors.
Gabriel Magalhaes
The rock throughout the season, Gabriel has taken on the mantle of standout defender in this team even when the side have looked shakey. He will need to prove his levels once again in the final weeks of the season in order to navigate the backline through treacherous waters.
Kieran Tierney
Big shoes to fill for the Scottish international. Zinchenko leaves a hole not just at left-back but also in midfield, where he usually slots in during the game. Tierney is better suited to an orthodox, up-and-down role but slotted in well on Sunday. Consistency and a quick impact needed, here.
Jorginho
The Italian was so impressive even with a high-press and aggressive midfield line from Newcastle and Thomas Partey has had a dip in form. Brighton will likely be similar to Eddie Howe's men and keeping the ball is a neccessity here. Forest should offer more time to dictate the tempo, another of Jorginho's standout skills.
Granit Xhaka
Arsenal will need their midfield reinforcer to be at his best when covering on the left of midfield now, especially without Zinchenko. His goals have dried up somewhat, though that was more a by-product of his new role than a planned attacking output. They need early season Xhaka back for three more big pushes.
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal's man for the big moment popped up on Sunday with a vital goal and will be needed to calm things down and steer his team to the end of the season. His goals and assists have been massively important Odegaard has good memories of playing Brighton, too.
Bukayo Saka
It's time for the star of the seaason to shoulder some more responsibility with the weight of added leadership and input on the field. Saka has been stellar throughout the season and needs one more burst of form to help his side home without their defensive warriors around.
Gabriel Jesus
With a newlook back four set to play, Jesus' tireless work off the ball will be as important as ever in shutting down attacks and directing play into correct channels.
Gabriel Martinelli
Another player with fond memories of facing Brighton over New Year, Martinelli has been one of the breakout stars of the season and will be recquired by his manager to put in one more big shift to get some goals and ease up the pressure at the other end of the pitch.
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