He’s one of the reasons the board wants me called to order, so I won’t take the chance of starting Him tomorrow. I can’t do my job because of him. The one Arsenal player who will be left off of the starting lineup tomorrow is revealed by Mikel Arteta. Not Gabriel, and Not Martinelli
This weekend, Arsenal plays their bitter rivals Tottenham in a crucial North London derby, but they will be missing several important players. Following a 1-1 draw with Brighton, the Gunners have a busy schedule ahead of them, including matches in the Champions League against Atalanta and the Premier League against Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s squad depth and injury management skills will be put to the test over this run of games, especially in midfield.
Arsenal may have a midfield crisis due to Declan Rice’s absence after his controversial red card against Brighton and concerns about captain Martin Odegaard’s fitness. The team will be under pressure early on due to Rice’s suspension, and Odegaard—who hurt his ankle while playing for his country—may also be sidelined. This presents an obstacle for Arteta as he prepares for the Spurs game.
Important Suspensions/Injuries Affecting Arsenal’s Lineup
1. Declan Rice
Declan Rice, the focal point of Arsenal’s midfield, will be suspended after picking up two yellow cards against Brighton, so he will miss the North London derby. Given how important he is to Arsenal’s structure in both boxes, his absence will be felt greatly. Rice’s capacity to thwart opposing attacks and start plays from deep has been essential to Arsenal’s early-season success.
2. Martin Odegaard
The possible absence of Odegaard exacerbates Arsenal’s problems. The midfielder was clearly uncomfortable as he left the field after spraining his ankle while representing Norway against Austria. He is anticipated to miss at least three weeks of work even though the preliminary scans revealed no fracture. Arteta will have a gap to fill in the attacking midfield position as a result of the profound loss of his inventiveness and leadership.
3. Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino, who joined Arsenal in the late summer, is likewise sidelined due to a shoulder fracture sustained in his first practice. Alongside Rice, he was supposed to strengthen the midfield, but his injury will keep him out of action until at least the middle of October. In the middle of the park, Arteta is left with few choices as a result.
4. Gabriel Jesus
With a groin injury, Gabriel Jesus might make a comeback in time for the derby. The Brazilian forward has been making good progress during the international break, despite missing Arsenal’s last two games. Arsenal’s attack would be greatly enhanced by his return, if he is fit.
5. Riccardo Calafiori
fresh signee Additionally hurt during Italy’s Nations League match against France was Riccardo Calafiori. It’s unclear if he will be able to play against Spurs despite the fact that the injury doesn’t appear to be serious. In his absence, Arteta is likely to go with Oleksandr Zinchenko or Jurrien Timber at left back.
Weak Midfield Options for Arsenal
Arteta has few options in midfield with Rice suspended, Odegaard a serious doubt, and Merino injured. Having played in Arsenal’s first three games of the season, Thomas Partey is anticipated to start. But with his regular midfield partner out of the picture, Arteta might have to rely on Jorginho, who hasn’t played a minute this year. Despite his experience, Jorginho lacks Rice’s physicality and dynamism, which could make Arsenal vulnerable against Tottenham in midfield battles.
Kai Havertz might potentially be moved into a deeper midfield position by Arteta. Havertz is more often utilized as an attacking midfielder or striker, but he can also fill in as a No. 8 player. This might only be a short-term fix, especially considering Havertz’s strong season debut. However, Arsenal’s attack might be weakened if Havertz is moved deeper.
Arrival of Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling’s possible debut is one bright spot for Arsenal. The loan addition made on deadline day has been working out with the team and is vying for a starting position. Arsenal’s attack may gain a new dimension from Sterling’s quickness and straightforward playmaking, particularly on the left wing, where Gabriel Martinelli has had difficulty staying consistent this year. Sterling’s big-game experience may prove invaluable in a match with as much pressure as the North London derby.
Arsenal’s expected lineup versus Spurs
Raheem Sterling’s possible debut is one bright spot for Arsenal. The loan addition made on deadline day has been working out with the team and is vying for a starting position. Arsenal’s attack may gain a new dimension from Sterling’s quickness and straightforward playmaking, particularly on the left wing, where Gabriel Martinelli has had difficulty staying consistent this year. Sterling’s big-game experience may prove invaluable in a match with as much pressure as the North London derby.
Arsenal’s expected lineup versus Spurs
Raheem Sterling’s possible debut and Gabriel Jesus’s return will be crucial to Arsenal’s offensive strategies. The North London derby is expected to be a fierce, high-stakes match as usual, and Arsenal will have to work hard to emerge victorious.
