Arsenal is gearing up for a crucial North London derby against their rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, this weekend, but they face a tough challenge with several key players unavailable.
Following a 1-1 draw with Brighton, the Gunners have a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including a Champions League clash with Atalanta and a Premier League showdown with Manchester City.
This intense schedule will test the depth of Arsenal’s squad, especially in midfield, where they are already struggling with injuries and suspensions.
One of the biggest concerns for manager Mikel Arteta is the absence of Declan Rice, who is suspended after receiving a controversial red card in the Brighton match.
Adding to the challenge, captain Martin Ødegaard is also a doubt due to an ankle injury sustained during international duty, creating a potential midfield crisis for Arsenal.
Key players who will miss or may miss the derby include:
1. Declan Rice
Rice, who has been the foundation of Arsenal’s midfield, will be sidelined for the derby due to his suspension.
His role in both defense and attack has been crucial for Arsenal’s performances this season, and his absence will be a significant blow to the team.
2. Martin Ødegaard
The Norwegian playmaker’s availability remains uncertain after spraining his ankle in a match against Austria.
While scans ruled out a fracture, Ødegaard is expected to miss around three weeks.
His creativity and leadership are vital for Arsenal’s attack, and his absence could severely impact the team’s ability to break down opponents.
3. Mikel Merino
New summer signing Mikel Merino is also out of action after suffering a freak shoulder injury in training.
Merino was expected to play a key role alongside Rice in midfield, but he is now likely to be out until mid-October, further limiting Arteta’s options in central midfield.
4. Gabriel Jesus
On the brighter side, Gabriel Jesus could return for the derby after recovering from a groin injury that has kept him out of the last two matches.
His progress over the international break has been promising, and his return would provide a major boost to Arsenal’s attack.
5. Riccardo Calafiori
Another summer signing, Riccardo Calafiori, sustained a minor injury during Italy’s Nations League match against France.
Although his injury isn’t severe, his participation in the derby is still in doubt.
If unavailable, Arteta may have to rely on Jurrien Timber or Oleksandr Zinchenko to cover the left-back position.
With Rice suspended, Ødegaard doubtful, and Merino injured, Arsenal’s midfield is in a precarious situation.
Thomas Partey is expected to start, but Arteta will need to find a replacement for Rice.
Jorginho, who hasn’t featured much this season, could be called upon.
While he brings experience to the midfield, he lacks the physical presence of Rice, which may leave Arsenal vulnerable in midfield battles against Tottenham.
Another option for Arteta could be deploying Kai Havertz in a deeper midfield role.
Although Havertz has mainly played as an attacking midfielder or forward, his versatility could help fill the midfield void.
However, moving Havertz into a deeper role could weaken Arsenal’s attacking options, as he has been effective further up the pitch this season.
Amid the injury concerns, Arsenal may also have a silver lining in the potential debut of Raheem Sterling.
The loan signing has been training with the squad and could make his first appearance for the Gunners.
Sterling’s pace and direct approach on the left wing could provide a much-needed boost to Arsenal’s attack, especially as Gabriel Martinelli has struggled to find form.
Sterling’s experience in high-pressure games could be invaluable in a fiercely contested derby.
With these challenges in mind, Arteta faces a tough task in selecting his lineup for the North London derby.
The absence of key players like Rice and Ødegaard will force him to rely on a combination of Partey, Jorginho, and possibly Havertz in midfield.
Meanwhile, the return of Gabriel Jesus and the potential inclusion of Sterling could offer some attacking threat, giving Arsenal a fighting chance against their fierce rivals.
This derby will be a major test of Arsenal’s resilience and depth as they navigate through a difficult period with several key injuries.
Fans will be hoping the team can rise to the occasion despite these significant setbacks.