Midfield dilemma, Raheem Sterling decision – Mikel Arteta faces Arsenal title-defining decisions

Arsenal are in the midst of preparing for a huge North London Derby away to Tottenham in Premier League action. Mikel Arteta’s side have been dealt numerous blows over the September international break and before, starting with a red card for Declan Rice and the dropped points against Brighton that arrived as a result.

The Gunners had beaten Wolves and Aston Villa before their title hopes were dealt an early blow by the Seagulls. A two-week pause then followed and appeared to arrive at the perfect time; however, that may now prove to not quite be the case.

Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard both picked up injuries representing Italy and Norway, respectively, with the latter likely to miss up to three weeks of action because of an ankle issue. His absence looks set to have a major ripple effect, with Arteta now needing to make at least two key decisions.

This weekend’s clash also kicks off a seven-day period where Arsenal begin their Champions League journey and face Manchester City.

Midfield dilemma

Ever since news broke of Odegaard’s injury, multiple potential midfield variations have emerged, but it is still unclear exactly what combination Arteta will select. Kai Havertz dropping back seems a likely scenario, but who joins him and Thomas Partey is not quite as clear-cut.

Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Jurrien Timber and even Ethan Nwaneri all have a case to start the Derby, but with no Declan Rice in the picture, the decision could be clear. Because of the challenge that awaits, Jorginho making his first starting XI appearance could be the call Arteta makes.

Alternatively, Arsenal could look to take advantage of Tottenham’s own weaknesses by utilising someone like Trossard through the middle, though that could leave Partey exposed.

Sterling gamble

Though Trossard started on the left against Brighton, he can be deployed in midfield and up top. Havertz dropping deeper and another midfield position being open could see him moved elsewhere, and thus an attacking spot would become available.

Gabriel Martinelli is likely to come back in if that scenario plays out; however, Arteta could be tempted to use somewhat of a wildcard and start Raheem Sterling. Having spent the last two weeks working directly with the loan arrival at London Colney, Arteta will know whether or not he is ready.

Though he has been training as a right winger and could potentially be the back up option to Saka, he is capable of playing on both flanks.

Captain call

Odegaard’s expected absence not only prompts a midfield decision but also a captaincy one. The 25-year-old has been the club captain for the last two years, but he will not be so over the weekend.

Because of their experience, Thomas Partey, Jorginho, or even Gabriel Jesus could be given the armband, though Bukayo Saka seems the best fit. The England international has taken on those responsibilities before, and leading his team into a North London Derby will be a wonderful moment.

The options at left-back

If Arteta opts to use Timber in midfield, as opposed to having him invert from left-back, Arteta has a number of options ready to come in. Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior can all have played in the position, with Takehiro Tomiyasu also an option, though he remains out through injury.

Calafiori has often come in during the late stages to sure up the Arsenal defence and given the task that awaits, the Italy international will likely take Timber’s place if he moves forward. However, after picking up an injury on international duty, the Italian being fully fit is not a guarantee and thus Arteta may opt to stick with his initial plan and start Timber at full-back, but there are alternatives.

Champions League and Man City consideration

Though it is not at the forefront of his mind, Arteta will likely have a close eye on the Champions League clash against Atalanta and the trip to Manchester City that follows.

Due to the sheer magnitude of the week that awaits, the Gunners boss may alter his starting XI, with it unlikely every player starts all three games. The likes of Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Jorginho and Sterling will be pushing for an opportunity, but Arteta may not provide that.

The Spaniard has previously been bullish on rotation, though the hectic fixture schedule and the injuries already plaguing his squad may end up forcing his hand.