It is the seniors who continue to labour in the absence of key personnel.
Even the absence of key centre-back Allan Evans did not have a negative impact.
The main issue has been the absence of key performers from the Test series.
Circumstance forced Arena's hand against the Dynamo, however, with Dos Santos and Gerrard given the responsibility of carrying the side in the absence of key figures.
The absence of key players severely upset plans over the past six months but where were the real contingencies that slot players seamlessly into a framework?
Updated at 3.47am BST 3.45am BST 32 mins Portland not looking too stretched by the absence of key midfielders right now.
The strains of the security situation and absence of key leaders have stalled internal political debates, slowed national decision making, and increased Maliki's vulnerability to alternative coalitions.
Newcastle's form has dipped in the absence of key players of late but they boast an impressive record against Tottenham at home.
Wigan staked a strong claim on Thursday, with another example of a Saints-style ability to refresh their team and rise above the absence of key players such as Sean O'Loughlin and Michael McIlorum.
Sarries have conceded just four tries in their six Premiership games, remarkable even by their standards and even more impressive given the absence of key backline figures such as Owen Farrell, Alex Goode, Duncan Taylor and Chris Ashton.
Despite thunderstorms and the absence of key opposition figures, the "March of Millions" went ahead in the capital – a day after searches conducted by armed police in the homes of opposition activists and their families.
