Arsenal Vs Sheffield United: 5 key players to watch – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang absence

2. Bukayo Saka

Sead Kolasinac was the only fit left-back in the Arsenal squad. That was the case at the start of the season after the departure of Nacho Monreal and his replacement, Kieran Tierney, rehabbing from a sports hernia operation upon his arrival, and it was the case this week after Tierney dislocated his shoulder in mid-December.

Now Kolasinac is out with a left thigh strain. Suddenly, Mikel Arteta has no natural left-back to turn to. The last time this was the case, he used 18-year-old winger Bukayo Saka in the position, and, to his credit, the youngster performed admirably in the role. It seems as though he will again be relied upon to fill in at an uncomfortable position.

As a winger, Saka does bring the offensive threat that Arteta looks for from his left-back, who pushes to form a front five with the front three and attacking midfielder in possession, but there are obvious defensive concerns. Saka did well last time he was asked to play out position, but can he again?