Mikel Arteta's injury headaches are worsening with the expected absence of star defender William Saliba for the next two weeks, forcing a need to reshuffle his defence.
It comes at a crucial time for the Gunners as they look to hang on to Premier League leaders Liverpool's coattails while ensuring they can avoid the Champions League play-off round.
French centre-back Saliba missed Saturday's draw against Aston Villa due to a hamstring injury and he could also be ruled out until after the match against Manchester City in early February, with two European games and a trip to Wolves before that.
And with Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu both still sidelined through long-term injuries and Riccardo Calafiori also missing the Villa match due to a minor problem, Arteta may have to get creative.
Here are five different options for the Arsenal manager to consider ahead of Wednesday night's match against Dinamo Zagreb at the Emirates.
Moving Timber to partner Gabriel didn't work brilliantly against Villa, but given his fitness and availability he seems the leading candidate to stay put for the next few games.
Unless the Italian defender Calafiori is fit. His debut season at the club, interrupted by a series of minor muscle injuries, saw him play mainly as a left-back, but Arteta believes his best bet in the long term is in the middle.
Should he be physically able, this is a good opportunity to file a claim.
The Kiwior Poland international is a centre-back but remained an unused substitute against Villa, further fueling the theory that Arteta may not think he is capable of actually doing things.
He has made just two league starts (the win against Manchester United and the draw against Fulham in early December), with most of his minutes coming in cup competitions.
It's been a long time, but when the midfielder settled at West Ham, David Moyes felt his best position could ultimately be at centre-back.
He made a number of Premier League appearances there and seemed comfortable with a struggling side. But so much time has passed and Rice has become so much more dynamic a player that it may seem like a last resort for Arteta.
The Ghanaian midfielder recently said he will play in any position where he can help, but like Rice, this would be a desperate measure. It is much more likely that Partey will appear at right-back.
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