31 March 2023 , 09:52
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Arsenal will be without William Saliba for their clash against Leeds on Saturday.
The Frenchman has been a stalwart for the Premier League leaders but will miss out due to an issue he picked up against Sporting Lisbon, which hasn't improved throughout the international break. It could also mean he's absent for the visit to Anfield next week, which could have an even greater bearing on the title race.
It leaves Mikel Arteta with a conundrum to solve heading into the business end of the season with defence being one of the cornerstones of the Gunners' campaign. Saliba has partnered Gabriel at the heart of defence, but a new face is going to have to come in.
Ben White had previously been Gabriel's main partner last term, but the former Brighton man has been pushed out to right-back this term. An injury to Takehiro Tomiyasu means that White is likely to remain on the right of the back four, with little cover elsewhere.
That effectively leaves Arteta to pick from Rob Holding or January signing Jakub Kiwior. Neither have enjoyed a huge amount of game time but will dive straight into the deep end against Leeds at the Emirates, with the Yorkshire side battling to beat the drop.
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Holding has started just the once in the league, making a further seven appearances off the bench whilst the Pole has only made the one cameo as a substitute. Holding's experience in the Premier League could prove to his advantage - and he's previously done a job when called upon.
Jakub Kiwior is yet to make his first Premier League start
Rob Holding is an option for Mikel ArtetaIn the final stretch last term the centre-half came in and helped secure a crucial win at West Ham, scoring the opener. Arteta said on the Englishman: "I said to you guys, to good people, to good things happen and Rob is another great example, but now when he plays well to give him credit, especially when he doesn't play, the way he trains, the way he is amongst the team, he's just a phenomenal person and player to have around the team and today, when you ask him to come he's always ready to do something."
Kiwior meanwhile, who moved from Italian side Spezia just months ago, has detailed how he thought he would've had more minutes at this point, but is prepared to bide his time. He said: "What does Mikel Arteta pay attention to? I think he pays attention to everything. I thought that if we were leading by two or three goals I would get a chance, however, I am waiting patiently. Everyone would like to play."
The Pole may be forced to wait that bit longer for his first start with the evidence suggesting Arteta will lean towards Holding.
Arteta could still spring a major surprise, choosing to go with a back three, but it seems unlikely given their success so far this term with their current structure.