Everton will be without three key figures in its normal starting XI for this weekend, and probably for the next few as well. Iliman Nidaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye have joined Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall suffered a hamstring injury against Chelsea that seems likely to keep him out for a few weeks.
The timetable for the Senegalese duo will depend on their country's success at AFCON, and the club and its supporters will need to hope that KDH's injury isn't as bad as it could be.
In the meantime, manager David Moyes will need to cobble together a group that can keep Everton afloat and away from the danger zone, even if it impacts the ability to rise up the table.
That may mean practicality will win the day, and with league leaders Arsenal coming to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, the test may not get any more difficult during this run without that vital trio.
With that in mind, let's try to get into Moyes' head and figure out how he'll line up his side, with the hope that a certain group of injured players will help bolster the squad as weeks go by.
Everton starting XI v Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Jordan Pickford (GK): Thankfully, Pickford remains in his spot during this run. He may need to stand on his head a few times to earn his club a few points along the way.
Vitalii Mykolenko (LB): There are reports of interest from the Bundesliga for the defender while Everton discuss a new contract for him. Until a move happens, he's the starter here.
James Tarkowski (CB): With Jarrad Branthwaite closing in on a return, you have to wonder who'll be the player moved to the bench between the center backs. For now, the deputy captain remains in his place.
Michael Keane (CB): Like Tark, his position may be up in the air. He's had a good season, but having signed a one-year deal over the summer, he is clearly not in the club's future thinking.
Jake O'Brien (RB): The Ireland international is likely to have a tough night against Arsenal's pacy wingers. Don't be surprised if the Gunners push Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze to that side to test whether O'Brien can do the job.
Midfielders
James Garner (CM): Garner has been good this season, especially in his ability to move around the pitch. He's reportedly in talks over a new contract as teams are starting to come calling for his signature for a move away from Merseyside.
Tim Iroegbunam (CM): Merlin Röhl is close, and may be on the bench, so Iroegbunam's place might be the most unstable of anyone in the starting group. He'll need to be disciplined next to Garner, as neither is particularly defensively sound.
Charly Alcaraz (CAM): The Argentine will slide back into the starting XI until Dewsbury-Hall is back, and maybe even after, depending on the matchup. He'll need to drive the ball forward when the few chances come.
Forwards
Jack Grealish (LW): The Manchester City loanee is fit and ready to go, so he'll be here as often as he can. His role will be even more important with Ndiaye gone.
Dwight McNeil (RW): This is the first case where there's a discrepancy between what we think Moyes will do versus what he should do. Tyler Dibling needs a run, and now is the time. Moyes may not agree, especially given the opponent.
Thierno Barry (CF): Whoever gets the start up top is likely to be very isolated throughout the match, so I'd continue to lean into Barry and his athleticism.