William Saliba was withdrawn on Thursday night's game against Sporting with a back injury. The early reports see him miss Arsenal's game against Crystal Palace and will see him pull out of the France nation squad also. It is unclear if he will be available for Arsenal's game against Leeds following the break.

The young centre-back has been a revelation for the Gunners this season and is certainly a massive loss. Saliba's recovery pace and calm nature in defence has allowed Mikel Arteta to comfortably play a very high line against all opponents, with the defender able to cover to a very efficient level. In a defence that has kept the joint most clean sheets in the Premier League, he has been crucial.

Arsenal have limited options to cope without him. Normally, it would be expected that Takehiro Tomiyasu would come in at right back, allowing Ben White to move into his natural position in the middle and partner Gabriel. Unfortunately, Tomiyasu also picked up an injury on Thursday, one that will likely keep him out longer than Saliba.

Rob Holding is Arsenal's back up right sided centre-back. He covered there last season and came in for Saliba on Thursday. Holding has his flaws however. He is not as fast as Saliba, and can be tempted into challenges that see him beaten high up the pitch and against a forward with the pace of Wilfried Zaha, he may struggle.

Arsenal do have Kieran Tierney available, who has played limited minutes this season. The left-back overlaps similarly to Ben White, but is weak on his right-foot and may struggle to have the same effect. Alternatively, Arteta may decide to move Oleksandr Zinchenko to right-back, allowing Tierney to play in his natural position. This may interfere with Arsenal's system going forward but could be the best way forward.

Reuell Walters has reportedly replaced Saliba in the match-day squad and has experience playing right-back, but it is unlikely Arteta will decide to throw an inexperienced young player into a game of this magnitude.

Whatever is decided, Arsenal must find a way to cope as every single point is crucial at this stage.