Arsenal have been shell-shocked after Martin Odegaard got injured against Austria. The Norwegian won’t be able to start against arch-rivals, Tottenham, in the much anticipated North London Derby.
According to the reports, the Gunners’ captain is set to be out for at least two to three weeks.
Mikel Arteta has received another massive blow after Declan Rice was sent off in the last match. His midfield without Odegaard and Rice might face some massive challenges. New signing, Mikel Merino, is also out of action following a shoulder injury few weeks ago.
The Spaniard will miss out on few more matchdays, after which he is likely to feature in the matchday squads. The manager addressed this issue in a press conference. He says;
“It’s a slow process because it’s a bone and it takes a while to heal, he is progressing well and is already doing some stuff. He is working extremely hard and we’re using this time to make sure that he understands a lot of things that he has a lot of questions about, and when he’s back he’s ready to go and impact the team.”
Gabriel Jesus who picked up a groin injury, is back in training and could be fit for the derby on Sunday. The manager has confirmed that the Brazilian is recovering quickly. Arteta says;
“Gabby was out [training]. He has got another session tomorrow. If everything goes well he will be ready to be selected in the squad, which is great news for us.”
When asked about the Gunners’ skipper, he says;
“We need some more tests so let’s see what happens in the next day or so, this afternoon probably, and see what happens with the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back.”
Huge occasion for Raheem Sterling on Sunday
Arsenal travel to Tottenham for Sunday’s north London derby with uncertainty over their key players due to injuries and suspension. Captain Odegaard and Calafiori are likely to miss out on Sunday.
Mikel Arteta is confident regarding Raheem Sterling and he thinks the 29-year old can revive his career at the Emirates. The former Chelsea and Man City winger was not selected for the Three Lions squad which gave him plenty of time to discuss tactics and prepare in his new surroundings.
Arteta trusts him to make an impact for the Gunners soon and he is likely to feature against their arch rivals on Sunday. He says;
“He looks great. He’s got a lot of energy, a smile on his face and he’s at it. He wants to prove a point and when someone’s got that in his belly you sense it straight away.
“What I see is hunger. He’s a player that wants to play every minute of every game. When that’s not the case, he’s not happy. He wants to play every single day and I see that.”
“His commitment and the level of energy that he’s bringing to the team is a big boost. You can feel it walking through the door. We are better with him. He’s going to make us better.”
Arsenal (A) Vs Tottenham(H) predicted lineups
Mikel Arteta’s men are set to face their arch rivals with a depleted team, key players like Odegaard and Declan Rice are out. This can be a huge opportunity for Tottenham to snatch three points at home on Sunday. Kai Havertz might need to feature as a midfielder to compensate the skipper’s loss.
Spurs’ captain Son Heung Min will lead the team who has a prolific record of eight goals in north London derby. New signing Dominic Solanke and Richarlison remain out due to injury.
Tottenham predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur ; Kulusevski, Maddison, Johnson ; Son
Injured: Micky van de Ven, Yves Bissouma, Dominic Solanke, Richarlison
Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Jorginho; Saka, Havertz, Trossard; Jesus
Injured: Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Suspended: Declan Rice
Kick off time: 2:00 PM local time and 6:30 PM IST
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