Arsenal Captain Martin Ødegaard Injured, Doubtful for Tottenham Derby
Arsenal’s preparations for the highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham have been thrown into disarray following the injury of club captain Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian midfielder suffered an ankle injury during his country’s international fixture against Austria, and his availability for Sunday’s clash is now in serious doubt. This injury adds to the growing list of concerns for manager Mikel Arteta, who is already dealing with several key absences, including Mikel Merino, Declan Rice, and Riccardo Calafiori.
Ødegaard’s Injury: A Major Setback for Arsenal
Martin Ødegaard was forced off the pitch during the second half of Norway’s match against Austria after a collision with Christoph Baumgartner aggravated an existing ankle issue. The midfielder had been managing ankle pain since Arsenal’s match against Brighton but had been able to participate in training and played through the pain during Norway’s earlier match against Kazakhstan. However, the clash with Austria proved too much, and Ødegaard’s withdrawal has sparked concerns over his fitness ahead of Arsenal’s crucial derby against Tottenham.
Worrying news for @Arsenal fans pic.twitter.com/IbCQ2HhNlC
— Premier League (@premierleague) September 10, 2024
For Mikel Arteta, Ødegaard’s potential absence is a significant blow. The Norwegian captain has been instrumental in Arsenal’s midfield, providing creativity, leadership, and goal-scoring contributions. His influence on the pitch has been a key factor in Arsenal’s strong start to the season, and losing him for such a vital fixture could tilt the scales in Tottenham’s favor.
Arsenal’s Growing Injury Crisis
The timing of Ødegaard’s injury could not be worse for Mikel Arteta, who is already dealing with a series of setbacks. Mikel Merino, who was expected to play a significant role for Arsenal this season after his summer move, is sidelined indefinitely with a shoulder injury that caused a bone fracture. His absence has left a gap in the midfield that Arteta is struggling to fill.
Adding to Arteta’s headache is the suspension of Declan Rice, one of Arsenal’s key signings, who will miss the Tottenham match. Rice has been a commanding presence in midfield, offering defensive stability and box-to-box dynamism. With both Rice and Merino unavailable, Arsenal’s midfield is looking severely depleted.
Compounding the situation, Arsenal’s new signing Riccardo Calafiori also picked up an injury during the international break. The Italian defender, who had shown promise in his initial appearances for the club, returned to London for tests after feeling pain in his calf following a clash with Ousmane Dembélé during Italy’s match. While the injury is not believed to be serious, his availability for the Tottenham clash remains uncertain.
With these key players missing, Arsenal’s squad depth will be tested as they head into one of the most important fixtures of the season.
Who Will Step Up in Ødegaard’s Absence?
If Martin Ødegaard is ruled out of the derby, Mikel Arteta will need to reshuffle his lineup and rely on his remaining midfield options to fill the void. Thomas Partey and Jorginho are the most likely candidates to start in midfield against Tottenham.
Thomas Partey, who has had injury concerns of his own, will need to step up and provide defensive solidity and ball progression from the midfield. Partey’s physicality and ability to break up opposition play will be crucial in countering Tottenham’s dynamic attack, led by James Maddison and Son Heung-min.
Jorginho, who has often been used as a backup option, will have to assume a more central role. The Italian international is known for his passing range and composure on the ball, but his defensive abilities will be put to the test in a high-intensity match like the North London derby.
Arteta may also consider deploying more attacking midfielders like Kai Havertz or Leandro Trossard to provide creativity and goal-scoring opportunities. Havertz has struggled to find his form since joining Arsenal, but this could be his opportunity to make an impact.
Tottenham’s Form and Arsenal’s Challenge
Arsenal will face a Tottenham side that has started the season strongly under new manager Ange Postecoglou. Spurs have been playing an aggressive, high-pressing style, with James Maddison and Son Heung-min leading the charge. Arsenal’s depleted midfield will need to withstand significant pressure from Tottenham’s attack, making the loss of Ødegaard even more significant.
Tottenham’s defense has also improved this season, making it difficult for opposing teams to break them down. Arsenal will need to be clinical in front of goal and find ways to create chances despite the absence of key players like Ødegaard and Rice. The form of Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka will be crucial in this regard.
Calafiori and Gabriel Jesus: Additional Concerns
The absence of Riccardo Calafiori is another blow to Arsenal’s defense. Calafiori had shown promising form and was expected to strengthen the backline after his summer move. His injury, although not considered long-term, leaves Arteta with limited options at left-back, especially with Takehiro Tomiyasu also dealing with fitness issues.
Gabriel Jesus, who played in the first match of the international break, is another concern. The Brazilian forward has been dealing with minor injuries, and his fitness will need to be monitored closely ahead of the derby. With Arsenal’s midfield stretched thin, Jesus’ ability to hold up play and create chances for his teammates will be essential.
Conclusion: A Tough Test for Arsenal
As Arsenal prepares for the North London derby, the potential absence of Martin Ødegaard, along with other key injuries and suspensions, leaves the Gunners in a precarious position. Mikel Arteta will need to rely on his squad depth and tactical acumen to navigate these challenges and secure a positive result against their fierce rivals.
Tottenham, on the other hand, will be looking to capitalize on Arsenal’s weakened lineup and continue their strong start to the season. The North London derby is always a high-stakes affair, and this one promises to be no different, with both teams eager to assert their dominance.
For Arsenal, the challenge will be in overcoming their injury crisis and finding a way to maintain their momentum despite missing some of their most influential players.
