How Arsenal could line up for the North London derby after Martin Odegaard injury update
Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is not at full fitness on international duty with Norway.
The Arsenal captain sustained a knock during the Gunners’ 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend in the Premier League.
On reporting to international duty, Norway manager Stale Solbakken revealed that Odegaard is carrying an injury other than the niggle he suffered at the Emirates.
It’s a worrying update for Mikel Arteta, who will have his mind occupied on the upcoming North London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
How Arsenal should line up against Tottenham if Martin Odegaard is injured
The severity of Odegaard’s injury is not known although it’s not thought to be overly severe considering that the playmaker is still on international duty.
There will however be some concern over his fitness if he is not rested during the break in domestic action, with Spurs coming up next.
Arteta already has a problem to solve regarding his midfield ahead of the clash, with Declan Rice suspended and summer signing Mikel Merino injured.
As a result of Rice’s suspension and now, Odegaard’s possible injury, here’s how Arsenal could line up without their captain at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Changes in defence
David Raya will remain between the sticks although, one change could happen ahead of the Spaniard in defence.
Riccardo Calafiori could make his full Premier League debut in place of Jurrien Timber at left-back, joining Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Ben White to complete the back four.
Never-seen midfield pairing
Dropping Timber from the squad wouldn’t be the case, but rather a switch in position could be on the cards for the Dutchman.
Timber has played in central midfield before in his career, and could be the most suitable figure to replace Rice and join Thomas Partey to protect the back line.
It would be a bold move from Arteta, but not one that he hasn’t hinted at before.
Kai Havertz replaces Martin Odegaard
Two changes could come in attacking midfield, one of which being Kai Havertz’s role in a bid to possibly replace Odegaard.
Should the Norwegian have to miss out on the derby, Havertz is well qualified to play the number 10 role, where he thrived at Bayer Leverkusen.
Bukayo Saka is the unquestionable starting right winger, with Gabriel Martinelli having the potential to be restored to the XI after being benched last week.
Raheem Sterling gets his debut
If Havertz was to drop back into midfield, there could be an opening for Raheem Sterling.
The deadline day signing could make his full debut in the North London derby, with Sterling open to playing the false nine role against Spurs.
It would be a statement from Arteta, but one that could have significant rewards, playing a goal-hungry Premier League star in a fixture as crucial as the derby.
Full Arsenal predicted XI without Odegaard (4-2-3-1): Raya; Calafiori, Saliba, Gabriel, White; Timber, Partey; Martinelli, Havertz, Saka; Sterling
Switch in personnel could be a blessing against Spurs
Arsenal’s draw against Brighton sent fans into a meltdown, not only due to Rice’s controversial red card, but due to the lack of conviction shown in the final third.
There were several questionable performers on the day, which could open the door for Arteta to switch things up at the perfect time.
While it would have been preferred to have squad issues ahead of a fixture less daunting than the North London derby, there may also be no better time than to test something new in the high-profile game.
For now, fans will be eager to see if Odegaard plays a part during international break, with the hope that the captain can return to North London ready to play at his best.
