Arsenal will be missing their captain, Martin Odegaard, during a particularly congested schedule of matches.
Odegaard sustained a sprained ankle and exited the match while representing Norway during the recent international break, and Mikel Arteta has now revealed that he would be unavailable for “an extended period.” This would be a considerable setback for the Gunners, particularly in light of the impending series of matches across several competitions.
Arsenal starts their Champions League campaign against Atalanta on Thursday evening in Bergamo, followed by their most challenging Premier League match of the season, away to Manchester City, on Sunday. Three days later, they will confront Bolton in the third round of the Carabao Cup, followed by a home match against Leicester in the league on Saturday.
Arteta expressed optimism that Odegaard would not be out for “months,” however it is certain that Arsenal must manage without him in the immediate future. “Recent scans revealed damage, particularly to one of the ankle ligaments,” Arteta clarified. “It is a matter of considerable importance, thus we will be without him for an extended period.”
The Norwegian playmaker recorded 11 goals and 11 assists in 48 matches in all competitions last season and was integral to the team’s performance. Replacing it is challenging; nonetheless, Arteta possesses several alternatives.
The most apparent—and hence most probable—solution he utilized in the North London Derby against Tottenham on Sunday. Kai Havertz assumed the most advanced midfield position, while Leandro Trossard entered the lineup as a fluid No. 9, but they frequently exchanged roles during the match.
Arsenal will benefit from the return of Declan Rice, who was out from the Spurs match due to suspension following his red card against Brighton. He will begin in midfield against Atalanta, either in place of Jorginho or Thomas Partey, or in conjunction with them in a more defensively-oriented three.
The acquisition of Raheem Sterling on deadline day provides Arteta with increased depth in attacking positions, which will be advantageous. The departure of Eddie Nketiah leaves Gabriel Jesus as the sole conventional centre-forward; however, the acquisition of Sterling offers further versatility, as the Chelsea loanee can operate on either wing or as a deeper No. 9.
In the last two seasons, Arteta has demonstrated a reluctance to use rotation without purpose; nonetheless, the consecutive away matches against Atalanta and City necessitate such adjustments. He may indeed provide Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli with a respite on the bench in Italy.
The two matches are not suitable for testing; however, the forthcoming game versus Bolton may be appropriate for such purposes. Cesc Fabregas has advocated for Trossard to transition into the midfield trio, while also endorsing the capabilities of Ethan Nwaneri to fulfill the role. Fabregas stated, “I am confident that if Mikel includes Nwaneri in the starting XI or during the match, it is because he recognizes Nwaneri’s capability to make a significant impact.”
Nwaneri was substituted into the derby, while fellow academy talent Myles Lewis-Skelly offers a another central midfield alternative for the Bolton match. It is noteworthy that Odegaard’s absence may be mitigated by Arsenal’s selected style of play, eliminating the necessity for a straight substitute.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber are assigned to occupy the midfield basis during Arsenal’s buildup from the back. The additional player in possession enables Arteta to utilize two central midfielders while maintaining an extra presence in the center area of the pitch.
He is very improbable to implement a significant tactical modification against Atalanta or City; nonetheless, it may be feasible for less prominent matches. The positional versatility of Havertz, Trossard, and Sterling—along with maybe Timber and Zinchenko—will assist Arteta in addressing the void created by Odegaard in the forthcoming weeks.
