Arsenal's injury crisis worsened on Sunday when centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes was forced off against Liverpool, before Jurrien Timber was also substituted.
The Gunners went into their clash against the Reds without William Saliba due to his red card against Bournemouth, as well as Martin Odegaard in midfield.
Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber were deemed ready for Sunday's match despite concerns regarding their fitness, while summer signing Riccardo Calafiori missed out on the match.
Mikel Arteta was forced to use right-back Ben White as a centre-back in Saliba's absence, but the Arsenal boss will be sweating over the fitness of Gabriel, who twice went down with what appeared to be knee discomfort.
Polish international Jakub Kiwior was brought on in place of the injured Brazilian, making his sixth appearance of the season.
Injury crisis at Arsenal
Much of the Gunners' success in the past two seasons can be attributed to the fact they have managed to keep many of their star players fit, with Declan Rice, Saliba, Odegaard, Gabriel, White, Havertz, Martinelli and Saka having featured at least 35 times in the league last term.
However, Arteta's side have been plagued by issues this term, in part because of Rice, Saliba and Leandro Trossard all receiving suspensions this campaign after being sent off.
Arsenal's injury woes against Liverpool were not over after Gabriel was substituted, with Timber also forced off in the 76th minute.
Myles Lewis-Skelly replaced the Dutchman, but Arteta will hope he will not have to rely on the 18-year-old given his lack of experience.
How could Gabriel injury affect Arsenal?
The Gunners will at least be able to welcome Saliba back into the team following their draw with Liverpool, but Arteta will have a selection dilemma ahead of their match against Preston North End on Wednesday and Newcastle United next weekend.
Lewis-Skelly is likely to be given a run in the team unless Calafiori manages to recover fomr injury in the next week, while Ben White may be shifted to right-back and Kiwior could play at centre-back.
One possible option for Arteta would be to field Rice in the heart of defence, a position that the midfielder briefly took up when Gabriel initially received treatment for his injury.
In doing so, Arteta would be able to shield Lewis-Skelly from potential criticism should the youngster struggle to adapt to senior football.
One positive for Arsenal is that they have already played Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Tottenham, and perhaps their injury crisis can be weathered given their comparatively easier upcoming schedule. body check tags ::
