The French international was dismissed for denying Bournemouth striker Evanilson a goal-scoring opportunity in the Gunners' 2-0 defeat at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday. And as a result, he will be a big miss in the heart of defence for a huge title-chasing showdown between Arsenal and Liverpool this weekend.
Arteta has plenty of options to call on, and exactly how he sets out his back-four will tell the club's defenders precisely where they stand in his pecking order. With three spots vacant and five players hungry to fill them, two are bound to be left disappointed.
The most pressing question concerns who will slot into Saliba's centre-back role. With Gabriel guaranteed to start on the left, a right-footer will have a natural advantage in Arteta's selection dilemma and Ben White is the standout candidate.
The 27-year-old spent a full season playing alongside Gabriel before Saliba returned from his third loan spell in France. And White's chances of starting in central defence will be boosted further if Jurrien Timber recovers in time to fill the right-back spot usually occupied by the Englishman.
Timber has not played since the Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain just over three weeks ago, but Arteta insists he is 'close' to a return and has been training with the group.
AFC Bournemouth v Arsenal FC - Premier League
William Saliba (right) was shown a straight red card for hauling down Evanilson
Throwing the Dutchman in at the deep end will not be a concern given how he hit the ground running at the start of this season and excelled under immense pressure against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The versatile Timber has also featured regularly at left-back, but luckily for Arteta, he has another top-quality option in Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian has impressed when given chances this season and should, on paper, complete the back-four.
If Timber, White, Gabriel and Calafiori are selected, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko will painfully be left out in the cold on a rare opportunity to force their way into the picture, presented by Saliba's suspension.
Kiwior was signed as a defensive prospect but he will turn 25 in February, and frustration at sitting on the sidelines is surely growing.
Zinchenko has only just recovered from a calf injury but these are worrying times for the Ukrainian, who no longer fits the mould of left-back Arteta wants. Being left out against Liverpool would only reinforce that.
Competition would be even more ferocious if Takehiro Tomiyasu was available but the Japanese, who can play across the defence, is still suffering with a knee issue.
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