Arteta's 5 options to replace Saliba after failed Aston Villa experiment

Mikel Arteta's injury headache is worsening with the expected absence of star defender William Saliba for the next two weeks prompting a need to reshuffle his defence.

It comes at a vital time for the Gunners as they seek to cling on to the coat tails of Premier League leaders Liverpool while aiming to ensure they can bypass the Champions League play-off round.

France centre back Saliba missed Saturday's draw against Aston Villa because of a hamstring complaint and he could also be ruled out until after the game against Manchester City in early February, with two European ties and a trip to Wolves before that.

And with Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu both still sidelined by long-term injuries plus Riccardo Calafiori also missing the Villa game because of a minor problem, Arteta may have to get creative.

Here are five different options for the Arsenal manager to consider before Wednesday night’s game against Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates.

Moving Timber inside to partner Gabriel did not work out brilliantly against Villa but considering fitness and availability he appears the leading candidate to remain in the spot for the next couple of games.

Well, unless Italian defender Calafiori is fit. In a debut campaign at the club interrupted by a series of minor muscle injuries, he has played mostly at left back but Arteta believes that long-term he can be best in the middle.

Should he be physically capable, this represents a good opportunity to stake a claim.

Poland international Kiwior is a centre back but remained an unused substitute against Villa, adding further fuel to the theory that Arteta may not think he is capable of really doing the business.

He has made just two league starts - the win against Manchester United and draw at Fulham in early December - with most of his minutes coming in the cup competitions.

It is a long time ago now but when the midfielder was establishing himself at West Ham, David Moyes felt his best position could end up being at centre half.

He played there a number of times in the Premier League and looked comfortable for a struggling team. But so much time has passed and Rice has become so much more dynamic a player that it may seem a last resort for Arteta.

The Ghana midfielder recently said he will play in any position that he can help but, much like Rice, this would be a desperate measure. Partey is far more likely to appear at right back.