This weekend, Arsenal plays their bitter rivals Tottenham in a crucial North London derby, but they will be missing several important players. Following a 1-1 draw with Brighton, the Gunners have a busy schedule ahead of them, with matches in the Champions League against Atalanta and the Premier League against Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s squad depth and injury management skills will be put to the test over this run of games, especially in midfield.
Arsenal may have a midfield issue due to Declan Rice’s unavailability after his contentious red card against Brighton and concerns over skipper Martin Odegaard’s fitness. The club will be under pressure early on due to Rice’s ban, and Odegaard—who hurt his ankle while playing for his country—may also be out. This presents an obstacle for Arteta as he prepares for the Spurs game.
Important Suspensions/Injuries Affecting Arsenal’s Lineup
1. Rice Declan
Declan Rice, the focal point of Arsenal’s midfield, will be suspended after picking up two yellow cards against Brighton, thus he will miss the North London derby. Given how important he is to Arsenal’s organization in both boxes, his departure will be felt greatly. Rice’s capacity to thwart opposing attackers and start plays from deep has been essential to Arsenal’s early-season success.
2. Martin Odegaard
The possible absence of Odegaard exacerbates Arsenal’s problems. The midfielder was clearly uncomfortable as he left the pitch after spraining his ankle while representing Norway against Austria. He is anticipated to miss at least three weeks of work even though the preliminary scans revealed no fracture. Arteta will have a gap to fill in the attacking midfield position as a result of the profound loss of his inventiveness and leadership.
3. Michael Merino
Mikel Merino, who joined Arsenal in the late summer, is likewise sidelined due to a shoulder fracture sustained in his first practice. Alongside Rice, he was supposed to strengthen the midfield, but his injury will keep him out of action until at least the middle of October. In the middle of the park, Arteta is left with few choices as a result.
4. Jesus Gabriel
With a groin ailment, Gabriel Jesus might make a comeback in time for the derby. The Brazilian forward has been making good progress throughout the international break, despite missing Arsenal’s past two games. Arsenal’s assault would be greatly enhanced by his return if he is fit.
5. The Calafiori Riccardo
fresh signee Additionally hurt during Italy’s Nations League match versus France was Riccardo Calafiori. It’s unclear if he will be able to play against the Spurs even though the injury doesn’t appear to be significant. In his absence, Arteta is likely to go with Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jurrien Timber at left-back.
Weak Midfield Options for Arsenal
Arteta has little choices in midfield with Rice suspended, Odegaard a serious question, and Merino injured. Having played in Arsenal’s opening three games of the season, Thomas Partey is anticipated to start. But with his regular midfield partner out of the picture, Arteta might have to rely on Jorginho, who hasn’t played a minute this year. Despite his expertise, Jorginho lacks Rice’s physicality and dynamism, which might make Arsenal vulnerable versus Tottenham in midfield clashes.
Kai Havertz might perhaps be moved into a deeper midfield position by Arteta. Havertz is more often utilized as an attacking midfielder or striker, but he can also fill in as a No. 8 player. This might just be a short-term fix, especially considering Havertz’s strong season debut. However, Arsenal’s offensive might be weakened if Havertz is moved deeper.
Arrival of Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling’s possible debut is one bright spot for Arsenal. The loan addition made on deadline day has been working out with the team and is vying for a starting position. Arsenal’s attack may gain a new dimension from Sterling’s quickness and straightforward playmaking, particularly on the left wing, where Gabriel Martinelli has had difficulty staying consistent this year. Sterling’s big-game expertise may prove invaluable in a match with as much pressure as the North London derby.
Arsenal’s expected lineup versus Spurs
