According to Football Fan Cast, Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has a big decision to make before the match against Tottenham. Arsenal’s captain and star midfielder, Martin Odegaard, is out for atleast three weeks due to an injury.
However, the good news is that Brazilian forward, Gabriel Jesus, is back in the squad for the Gunners. Mikel Arteta will be forced to make changes after injuries during the international break. The Gunners are looking to bounce back after a draw against Brighton. Arsenal will try to maintain the title challenge against Manchester City and Liverpool. Tottenham will try to gain momentum for the upcoming matches, by beating their arch-rivals, and also one of the best teams in the league.
Problems began for Arsenal after the suspension of Declan Rice. The English midfielder received a controversial red card in the match against Brighton. Rice’s absence left a big hole in the midfield. After signing from West Ham United, Rice has managed to transform the Arsenal midfield into being one of the best ones in the Premier League. Arsenal’s latest signing, Mikel Merino, from Real Sociedad is also unavailable due to a shoulder injury in training. The Spanish midfielder will be out for two weeks. Arsenal’s another new signing, Riccardo Calafiori, also suffered an ankle injury against France during the international break. The Italian defender is also set to miss tomorrow’s clash.
Arsenal will miss their captain
Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, was injured during Norway’s 2-1 victory against Austria in the Nations League. The Norwegian midfielder suffered an ankle injury and can be out for over three weeks. Odegaard can miss crucial matches against Tottenham, Atalanta in the Champions League, and Manchester City. It is difficult to replace Odegaard’s creativity and vision. The midfielder is a key part of Arteta’s tactical setup as a creative engine that helps to build up attacks and stop attacks from the opposition. Odegaard’s absence has left a huge void in the Arsenal squad.
Mikel Arteta will need to make suitable replacements for the upcoming matches. In the absence of Odegaard, Kai Havertz can take up the midfield role. Havertz used to play in the central role with Bayern Leverkusen and in some games with Chelsea as well. The German’s versatility will be a key factor for Arsenal in the upcoming games. Havertz can also score goals and give assists in the final third. The German is the type of player needed to break the Tottenham defense.
Gabriel Jesus is back in the squad
Arsenal have received a huge boost for their upcoming games with Brazilian forward, Gabriel Jesus, returning to the squad. Jesus missed the last two Premier League games for Arsenal due to a groin injury. The Brazilian striker is back in training and is available for selection against Tottenham. Jesus will be a great addition to the Arsenal front line to provide quality, experience, and leadership in the squad.
Jesus is also good in link-up play and creating or finishing chances. Moreover, Gabriel Jesus will be a great fit having chemistry with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Arsenal also has the option to play Raheem Sterling in the left-wing position to provide pace in the wings.
Tottenham will be hungry for a win after losing to Newcastle United in their last Premier League fixture. This is an important fixture for Arsenal as well, after a draw against Brighton. Both teams want to maintain their momentum for the upcoming matches. Arsenal will also want to start their Champions League campaign on a high note with a victory. The Gunners will also face their arch-rivals and defending Premier League champions, Manchester City, in their next-to-next match in the league. Pep Guardiola and his men have managed to win all three opening games of the Premier League, despite being without key players like Rodri, Phil Foden, and Kyle Walker. Arsenal will up to a monumental task to face this rampaging Manchester City team, and therefore, need to build winning momentum, starting from tomorrow’s crucial match in the North-London derby.
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