Arsenal could be without up to eight key players for the crucial North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, as manager Mikel Arteta contends with a growing injury crisis. Among the most notable absentees are Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice, who are set to miss the highly anticipated clash on September 15. These absences, compounded by injuries sustained during international duty, pose a significant challenge for the Gunners as they aim to maintain their early push for the Premier League title.
Martin Odegaard, who sustained a sprained ankle during Norway’s match against Austria, and Declan Rice, suspended due to a second yellow card in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton, will both be absent from the midfield. The duo’s contributions have been pivotal to Arsenal’s strong start this season, and their absence could weaken the team’s chances of securing a win against their arch-rivals.
Additional Injury Woes for Arteta
Arsenal’s injury concerns extend beyond Odegaard and Rice, with six other players potentially unavailable for the derby. Italian full-back Ricardo Calafiori picked up an unusual injury during Italy’s Nations League match against France, where he collided with Ousmane Dembele. The extent of his injury remains unclear, but his absence would further deplete Arsenal’s defensive options. Additionally, Jurrien Timber, who was substituted off against Brighton due to cramping, could also miss the Spurs clash, although Arteta has downplayed the severity of his condition.
Gabriel Jesus, who has been struggling with a groin injury since the season opener, is another doubt for the upcoming match. His absence would leave Arsenal short of attacking options, adding to the team’s growing concerns. Compounding the issue, new signing Mikel Merino is sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained during his first training session with the club. The £31 million signing from Real Sociedad could be out for several months, further complicating Arteta’s squad depth as the season progresses.
Tough Fixtures Await Arsenal Amid Injury Crisis
The timing of this injury crisis is particularly concerning for Arsenal, with a series of challenging fixtures on the horizon. Following the North London derby, the Gunners will travel to Italy to face Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League, followed by a clash with title rivals Manchester City on September 22. These matches could prove critical in shaping Arsenal’s season, and the absence of key players could significantly impact their chances of success in both domestic and European competitions.
Despite their injury setbacks, Arsenal have reason to remain optimistic. Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side has shown defensive vulnerabilities, notably drawing 1-1 with Leicester and suffering a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle, despite dominating both games. Arsenal’s ability to exploit these weaknesses could provide them with a much-needed morale boost, even with a depleted squad. However, Arteta will be hoping for positive news on the injury front as the club looks to navigate this difficult period and keep their title hopes alive.
How Arsenal Can Adapt Without Martin Odegaard and Key Midfielders
Arsenal face a potential midfield crisis with the possibility of being without Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino ahead of their crucial fixtures, including the highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Odegaard’s injury during international duty with Norway, combined with Rice’s suspension and Merino’s recovery from injury, leaves Mikel Arteta with difficult decisions to make in reshaping his midfield. With critical matches looming against Atalanta and Manchester City, Arsenal’s ability to adapt will be key.
The Likely Midfield Solution
In the absence of Odegaard, Rice, and Merino, Arteta could turn to a familiar midfield trio of Kai Havertz, Jorginho, and Thomas Partey. This trio was tested during Odegaard’s previous injury spell, where Havertz performed well in the right-sided No. 8 role. Jorginho would likely play centrally, dictating the tempo of the game and controlling possession. Partey, known for his defensive stability, would provide protection and serve as a bridge between defense and attack, giving Jorginho the freedom to orchestrate the midfield.
A tactical tweak to a 4-2-3-1 formation could suit this lineup, with Havertz positioned slightly further forward, playing a No. 10 role. His recent performance as a playmaker for Germany against Hungary showed his capability to link the midfield and attack. Should Gabriel Jesus be unavailable, Leandro Trossard may be deployed as a center-forward, with the flexibility to interchange positions with Havertz. This setup offers Arsenal fluidity in attack and ensures that their midfield remains solid despite the absentees.
As Arsenal head into a challenging period without their first-choice midfielders, Arteta’s tactical decisions will be crucial in determining how the team copes. Whether he opts for experience with Havertz, Saka’s creativity in midfield, or an experimental role for one of his full-backs, Arsenal must find a way to maintain their momentum in both domestic and European competitions
