Mikel Arteta could reluctantly be forced to change his partnership with the centre-back for the first time in the Premier League this season.
The Gunners take on London rivals Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium where a win would see them extend their lead at the top to eight points over Manchester City.
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Arsenal boss Arteta could be forced to make changes at the back against Palace
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Saliba was out through injury against Sporting Lisbon in midweek
Arsenal come into the game having won five consecutive top-flight games, while the Eagles have yet to taste victory in 2023 – leading to Patrick Vieira being sacked on Friday.
And Arteta’s side will be desperate to claim all three points after their shock Europa League exit on Thursday as Sporting Lisbon won on penalties.
To make matters worse for Arsenal, Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba were sent off with injuries in the first half.
Tomiyasu was spotted on crutches after the game after taking a knee injury, while Saliba appeared to have suffered a muscle problem in his lower back.
Commenting on the pair ahead of the Palace clash, Arteta said: “Tomiyasu looks pretty serious, for his reaction right away and what he told me.
“Obviously, it’s very early and difficult to know. William, I don’t know. He had a bit of discomfort and couldn’t go on, so we had to take him out.
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Tomiyasu left with a serious knee injury on Thursday
It is understood that Saliba will be assessed on whether he is fit enough to face Palace, with the Frenchman currently hesitant to participate.
Although Japanese right-back Tomiyasu looks set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee injury.
With that in mind, talkSPORT.com takes a look at how Arsenal could line up against their south London opponents.
Aaron Ramsdale will almost certainly keep his place between the sticks, having not missed a Premier League game since last year.
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Ramsdale is Arsenal’s undisputed No.1 keeper after arriving last season
Should Arteta refuse to risk Saliba, Rob Holding could enter for his first Premier League start to the season where he will link up with Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back.
Ben White would be the ideal choice to occupy his natural position, but with Tomiyasu out, he will have to retain his place at right-back.
The January signing of Jakub Kiwior is also another centre-back option, but the Poland international is yet to feature in the league, with Arteta also preferring not to play two left-footed centre-halves together.
Oleksandr Zinchenko would then start at left-back in place of Kieran Tierney to complete the back-four.
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The holding company could partner with Gabriel at the heart of the defense against the Eagles
Thomas Partey would then feature as a lone defensive midfielder, with skipper Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka to play in their usual box-to-box roles.
Bukayo Saka is expected to retain his place on the right wing, with Gabriel Martinelli expected to be deployed on the opposite flank.
Arteta then has a big decision to make to determine who leads the line, with Leandro Trossard excelling in the false role of nine.
The Belgian has started the last five games, where he has bagged as many assists – including three in the 3-0 win at Fulham last week.
But Gabriel Jesus is now fully fit, with the Brazilian starting against Sporting on Thursday night.
Although Arteta may decide to throw Jesus on the bench before releasing him after the international break.
This is how Arsenal could start at the Emirates on Sunday if Saliba is ruled out
