Ben White undergoing knee surgery last week has added to Arsenal’s injury woes in defence.
Mikel Arteta has been forced to name seven different back fours in just 11 Premier League games this season and White being out leaves him with another selection headache.
It is currently not clear how long the right-back will be out but his absence comes at a bad time given Arsenal are heading into the busiest part of the season.
Here, Standard Sport assesses the options available to Arteta for replacing White at right-back against Nottingham Forest on Saturday…
Jurrien Timber
The Dutchman is the favourite to step up and take White’s place in the team, given he was originally signed by Arsenal in the summer of 2023 to play right-back.
Timber, who has excelled at left-back and also shown he is capable of playing in the heart of defence, has had his own injury problems this season. But he now appears to be back to full fitness and will have a crucial role going forward.
Timber is able to tuck into midfield from full-back or can play as a conventional right-back, which was White’s role.
The 23-year-old could help unlock even more from Bukayo Saka, who has had to contend with being doubled up on and a lack of support from White - who was restricted in getting forward due to his knee injury.
Timber’s athleticism makes him a dangerous weapon going forward and, if he is able to overlap beyond Saka, it may help Arsenal’s right flank get more joy.
Possible back four: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
Thomas Partey
The Ghanaian has started three Premier League games at right-back this season, which has come as a surprise. Partey did play there occasionally during his time at Atletico Madrid, but for Arsenal has operated as a holding midfielder.
The 31-year-old has been a steady performer this season and Arteta could turn to him now White is out.
Martin Odegaard is back fit, meaning Arsenal could line up with a midfield of him, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino - which was the plan before the season started. That would mean Partey missing out, however he could find a way into the team by slotting in at right-back.
He is very different in style to White, given he does not like to get forward as much when playing in defence.
Partey does, however, offer experience and he is excellent on the ball. If Riccardo Calafiori is not fit enough to return this weekend, then Partey could play at right-back and Timber could be used on the other flank.
Possible back four: Partey, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber
Takehiro Tomiyasu
The Japan international is the forgotten man at Arsenal given he has played just six minutes this season.
His absence has been an understated blow given his versatility and form last season. Tomiyasu was one of Arsenal’s better players in the early part of the season and was duly rewarded with a new contract in March.
Comfortable playing across the back four, he is perhaps the most like-for-like replacement to White. Tomiyasu has similar characteristics when it comes to his height and pace, while he is also able to replicate White’s prowess for getting forward on the overlap.
It is unclear when Tomiyasu will return but he could have a useful role to play when he does by offering cover on both flanks.
Possible back four: Tomiyasu, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber/Calafiori
