Arteta must having sleepless nights right now, having been faced with injuries just three games into the season. The Spanish manager is facing a selection problem ahead of their all-but-important clash against their North London rival Tottenham, with injuries to Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Jesus, Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori, and Takehiro Tomiyasu and a suspended Declan Rice.
Arsenal captain Odegaard is the latest to be added to their injury list after he sustained the injury against Austria in the National League. The Norwegian international was seen in clutches boarding a plane to London. After an initial assessment by his National Team Doctor, Odegaard is expected to be out of action for three weeks.
The 25-year-old skipper is the main man in the Arsenal midfield and is seen as the glue that makes the team tick. Arsenal and England starlet Ethan Nwaneri has been tipped to fill the gap left by the injured captain.
However, former Arsenal captain and legend Cesc Fabregas believes Arenal Academy product Ethan Nwaneri has all it takes to replace Odegaard, but Leandro Trossard is the best person to play Odegaard’s role against Tottenham on Sunday.
What did Cesc Fabregas say about Ethan Nwaneri replacing Martin Ordegard in Arsenal’s lineup?
On the Planet Premier League podcast, he said: “I have no doubts that if Mikel puts him in the starting XI or even during the game, it’s because he has seen that he’s good enough to make an impact.
“Obviously the consequences of Rice and Odegaard being out helps and makes it a little bit faster than he would have liked but definitely it means that he is on his mind.
“If he’s part of the squad it’s because he really believes that he can bring something to the table.
“I also would like to see Trossard in midfield. I know he likes to come from the wing but he has the capabilities and qualities to play that role of Odegaard. A little more offensive midfielder, No.8, No.10.
“I think he’s got the qualities to do that. Probably [Thomas] Partey and Jorginho will be the other two midfielders, if I am not mistaken.
“‘But overall, it’s great to see young players making it into the Premier League.”
Cesc Fabregas believes the North London Derby is important for Arsenal’s quest to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League.
He continued: “It’s still early, but I think it’s a bigger game for Arsenal.
“Arsenal need to go toe to toe with Manchester City to win the league this year. It’s their third year straight trying to win it in a confident way, where they believe it can be done.
“With all due respect and I’m being serious, if Tottenham finish fifth or sixth, I know they will always try to aim a bit higher, but it won’t be seen as such a failure as if Arsenal doesn’t manage to win the league this season because they have been very, very close the last couple of years.”
Cesc Fabregas added: “I do believe for Arsenal it’s a much bigger game because they have to find this continuity after drawing the last game against Brighton.
“For the confidence after the international break as well, I think it’s important.
“Big season for Arsenal, big month for Arsenal and I think it’s a much bigger game for them.”
