Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith believes Mikel Arteta has ‘loads of high quality choices’ relating to changing Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice within the North London derby this weekend.
The Gunners journey to arch-rivals Tottenham on Sunday with each side trying to decide up three important factors to maintain up with early pace-setters Manchester Metropolis and Liverpool.
Nonetheless, Arsenal will probably be with out the suspended Rice, who was proven a controversial second yellow card in opposition to Brighton previous to the worldwide break.
Odegaard, in the meantime, has been photographed leaving worldwide obligation with Norway on crutches after choosing up an ankle harm. The extent of his drawback shouldn’t be but clear, however he gained’t function in opposition to the Lilywhites this weekend.
With new signing Mikel Merino additionally injured, Arteta now faces critical complications concerning his midfield line-up for this significant conflict.
Arsenal’s versatility to assist them in NLD?
Though the scenario seems bleak, Smith is sort of optimistic that Arteta has greater than sufficient high quality at his disposal to unravel the issue and is helped by the flexibility of a few of his gamers.
“Jorginho has been on the bench for the primary three video games of the season so that you’d count on him to doubtlessly slot into the midfield in opposition to Tottenham, particularly with the expertise he has,” the Sky Sports activities commentator stated.
“Kai Havertz has additionally performed again in midfield earlier than for the Gunners and he can try this job if Gabriel Jesus is match to guide the road.
“Oleksandr Zinchenko can maybe function in the midst of the park and even Leandro Trossard has performed in there too.
“There are many choices for Mikel Arteta however Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard have been so necessary for Arsenal. Notably in a derby, you’d need these kinds of characters within the crew, however there are nonetheless loads of high quality choices in that Arsenal squad.”
