Mikel Arteta's team selection hint for Arsenal 's Carabao Cup trip to West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday shows the extent of his side's current predicament.
The Gunners have lost both of their Premier League matches 2-0, being defeated by newly-promoted Brentford and London rivals Chelsea, respectively.
Now heading to the Midlands for a must-win game, Arteta is set to select his best XI despite their trip to Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday looming.
Ravaged by injuries and a Covid-19 outbreak, the Spaniard has slim pickings and will be keen to get the job done over the Championship side and get off the mark for the new season.
Speaking post-London derby loss on Sunday, Arteta stated: "We had some knocks and stuff from the game and players that need minutes and want minutes, and it’s a competition obviously that we want to fight for.
"We need a win as well."
The fact Arsenal are even competing in the second round is a damning indication of their current level, with teams competing in Europe not entering until the round three.
Even at that stage, teams such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool would be able to field weakened teams with the hope of comfortably progressing.
Who would you start for Arsenal at West Brom? Give us your starting XI here.
However, Arteta cannot afford to take that risk, nor does he appear to have the adequate squad depth in order to rotate.
The 39-year-old told Arsenal.com : "The approach is to win the game and go to the next round."
"To try to get players back if possible to help us because then we have Manchester City at the weekend, and to try to lift the players.
"Obviously they are hurt, the feeling is tough at the moment, they need some help as well with players coming back, and keep them together, because the spirit there is good.
Arteta was also asked if his squad needed motivating and the former midfielder was firm in his reply.
"They don’t need motivating. Honestly, they are really together, one thing they don’t need is motivating," he stated.
"That is really clear, they are really trying what they can do. Give them confidence – that is what they need."
Although the mood is a dim one at the Emirates, some of Arteta's more recognised names are set to be in contention once again.
Martin Odegaard and Alexandre Lacazette are available for the trip to the Black Country.
Odegaard has now received full clearance to play following his £30million permanent switch from Real Madrid and Lacazette is back in full training following his positive coronavirus test.
Summer signing Ben White also tested positive for ahead of the Chelsea defeat, so will not be available on Wednesday.
Kieran Tierney has returned to full training after suffering from cramp in his thigh and Hector Bellerin will have a late check on a thigh problem.
