Arsenal fans all now want surprise player to replace Martin Odegaard for the North London Derby

Arsenal could be without their captain Martin Odegaard for the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Gunners are almost always the favourites against Spurs, but Ange Postecoglou’s men have some small hope of getting the better of Mikel Arteta’s side on Sunday.

There is a chance Arsenal will have seven players unavailable against Tottenham, which would be a huge blow. It weakens them significantly and makes the game much harder than it otherwise would be.

Odegaard, who picked up a nasty ankle injury during Norway’s win over Austria, is a big doubt for the game against Spurs.

That puts Arteta in a very difficult situation, especially as the Spaniard has already allowed Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira to leave the club.

Now, Arsenal fans are wondering who will play in Odegaard’s position if the captain is ruled out. A surprising name has been suggested.

Arsenal fans want Bukayo Saka to play in Martin Odegaard’s role vs Tottenham

Bukayo Saka is one of the first names on Arsenal’s team sheet every week, and he is an undisputed starter on the right wing.

That is the Englishman’s best position, but Arsenal supporters have taken to X to suggest that Saka should be deployed as a number 10 against Spurs if Odegaard doesn’t make it.

One Arsenal fan wrote: “If Odegaard isn’t going to be available for the NLD, play Saka in his position. Play Sterling on the right wing. We won’t miss him.”

Another said: “If Odegaard is out, time to try Saka in that role.”

“Bukayo Saka is the ONLY player who can play the Odegaard role half-decent,” said another.

Another Gooner tweeted: “Saka can play the Odegaard role. Sterling to cover as the right-wing forward.”

“Tell Arteta I want Timber inverting from LB. Partey and Jorghino in a double pivot. Saka plays the Odegaard 10 role. That puts Jesus on the right; and if he’s not fit, it’s Sterling.”

What happened the last time Saka played as an attacking midfielder?

Arteta has a tough decision to make over who plays in the number 10 role against Tottenham.

Ethan Nwaneri is an option to replace Odegaard, but throwing in such a young player in a game of that magnitude away from home may not be the wisest idea.

Kai Havertz is the other option, while Leandro Trossard could also play there if required.

Saka has filled in as an attacking midfielder in the Premier League on just one occasion in the past – against Brighton in 2020.

The Englishman picked up an assist in that game, but Arsenal went on to lose 2-1. following Bernd Leno’s injury and Neal Maupay’s 95th-minute goal.