Martin Odegaard, the 25-year-old Arsenal captain suffered an Ankle Injury. He hobbled off the pitch in the 67th minute of a Nation’s League match against Austria. After the game, the Norwegian midfielder was pictured boarding a plane with crutches. Reports Suggest he would be out for at least 3 weeks, missing important matches against City and Spurs. Mikel Arteta is left with limited options in the midfield going into the next few game weeks. Will the North Londoners keep up without one of their most important attackers?
No number 10 other than Martin Odegaard at Arsenal
Odegaard is the only attacking midfielder in the squad other than 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal decided to sell Emile Smith Rowe this transfer window. He was once seen as a future superstar but multiple injuries and lack of game time meant that it was better for his career that he leaves the club. They also loaned Reiss Nelson, a very versatile forward, who can play at many positions. Smith Rowe and Nelson are playing for Fulham and Viera is at Porto. All three are capable attacking midfielders. Shipping all of them away but keeping Nwaneri, meant that Martin Odegaard was seen as a cornerstone in the attack along with Bukayo Saka.
Can Nwaneri do the job ?
Nwaneri is a very talented player, he scored in the 3-2 loss against Germany under 19 on Tuesday but is too young. There have been instances where managers have played youngsters during injury crises, and it has worked. It worked for Liverpool for much of last season, it worked with Mainoo at Old Trafford. In a match as intense as the North London derby, it won’t be easy for someone who hasn’t played a single minute this season. If Arteta was willing to let three talented attacking midfielders go and decided to keep Nwaneri he should play him.
Midfield without Martin Odegaard
Arsenal will have to face Spurs this game week and Manchester City after. After dropping points against Brighton, these fixtures have greater importance. Arteta and his men know very well how good Pep’s team gets by the end of the season every year. Early slip-ups against a team that has won 6 titles in the last 7 years can prove very costly. Arsenal have finished second twice in a row now, losing out by 5 and 2 points in the two seasons respectively. Against Spurs, they will be without Declan Rice, one of the most important players in the team. He is serving his suspension after getting a second yellow card away at Brighton. Against Spurs, I expect to see a midfield of Partey, Jorginho, and Havertz. The German can’t replicate Martin Odegaard’s on-ball excellence in the midfield, but Arsenal is out of options unless Arteta decides to use 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri. Gabriel Jesus has missed the last two games due to an injury and it is unlikely that he starts.
The weeks ahead
Due to Arsenal’s lack of depth at the 10, new signing Merino getting injured in training, and Nwaneri’s inexperience Havertz will have to drop into the midfield. They will have Declan Rice for the match against Manchester City, but Odegaard won’t be back before 3 weeks. Playing against the best team in the league without the creative engine would be a tough challenge for Arteta. Odegaard is also the captain, after losing him for multiple weeks it is for other players to step up and take the leadership role. Every championship team goes through injury issues and players playing out of position to cover that. The team understands that they have to take points away at Manchester and get 3 points at Tottenham. The upcoming weeks will test Arteta and his men, after two difficult away games in the premier league Arsenal will face an in-form PSG in the UCL at home.
A trusted source on ManCityNews.comA trusted source on GoonerNews.com
For more football updates, make sure to follow us on:
