Arteta however, has not explicitly ruled him out of action with his update after the Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk offering some hope. “I don’t think so [Odegaard fit to play Liverpool]," he said. "Martin is frustrated and desperate to return. But hopefully this period will teach him some things that are important in life."
With that in mind, Saliba is thus far the only guaranteed absentee through suspension, but that may not have been the case. Following on from his dismissal, the Gunners could have appealed the decision, though it was revealed a few days on from their defeat on the south coast, no formal response would be lodged.
Despite that, the Mail has claimed that Arsenal analysts pulled together a video package which included clips of similar incidents that resulted in different punishments, however an appeal actually being submitted was not a "realistic consideration" given the likelihood of it failing.
However, as that was the club's final decision, Saliba will definitely miss out on featuring in the fixture against Liverpool with Arteta expected to give injury updates on Saka, Calafiori, Odegaard and Timber.
As so many players are injury doubts, Arteta will likely be considering a number of different starting XI's depending on the personnel available and the tactics he wants to implement. As Calafiori and Timber, two possible replacements at centre-back, could both miss out, Arteta may be required to change the positions of numerous players.
That may involve Thomas Partey shifting to right-back with Ben White moving inside to partner Gabriel Magalhaes. A gap in midfield would then need to be filled with one of Jorginho or Mikel Merino to come in and complete a midfield three alongside Declan Rice and potentially Leandro Trossard.
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