Problems for Arsenal ahead of the North London derby: Arteta cannot count on a key player

International break has always been a period of concern for the managers of major clubs. This time, Mikel Arteta is in the spotlight, as he will be unable to count on several key players ahead of the big North London derby, one of the most important matches of this part of the season. Support them with your tip in their next game against Totenham!

Captain out for the derby

Among a series of injuries, suspensions, and headaches for Arteta, the biggest issue seems to be the absence of Arsenal’s captain, Martin Ødegaard. Ødegaard suffered what appears to be a severe ankle and foot injury during his last Nations League match for his national team, Norway. According to the latest reports from the dressing room, the injury is more serious than initially thought, and there is a slim chance the team will be able to rely on their captain. Although tests are still ongoing, the reports we’ve received are quite concerning.

Additionally, Arsenal faces several other concerns that could significantly harm them in the upcoming derby. The coming period looks like the biggest test for the Gunners, as they first face the city derby, then a clash with Atalanta in the Champions League, and to top it all off, Manchester City in the Premier League. Arsenal will play all three matches away from home.

As if that wasn’t enough: Additional worries for Arsenal

As mentioned, Martin Ødegaard’s injury is the latest in a series of unfortunate events. The first domino to fall was Declan Rice, who received his second yellow card in the match against Brighton, after what many would say were two unnecessarily rough challenges. With the second yellow card, Rice will have to miss at least one match.

Riccardo Calafiori also went on international duty, only to suffer an injury in his first match for Italy. In the clash against France, Calafiori had to leave the field in the 71st minute. Shortly after, Riccardo left Italy’s camp and returned to Arsenal for further tests. His condition remains uncertain, but there is a possibility he might also miss the derby.

Mikel Merino, one of Arsenal’s few signings this season, is also struggling with an injury. Merino sustained a shoulder injury during his first training session with the new team. According to the latest reports, his return is not expected until next month. The injured list also includes Takehiro Tomiyasu, Kieran Tierney, and Gabriel Fernando de Jesus, whose injury is still being assessed.

Potential solutions for Arteta

One seemingly inevitable solution is to move Kai Havertz into midfield. However, Arteta will need to make another adjustment for this to work. Jorginho is the most natural replacement, but either he or Thomas Partey would need to play a more attacking role, despite both preferring to operate as defensive midfielders.

Fortunately for Arteta, Leandro Trossard is Arsenal’s wildcard. The Belgian international is a very versatile player who can play on the wing, as a ‘false nine,’ or in midfield. While solutions do exist, much will depend on the players’ ability to adapt to these new, albeit temporary, roles.

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