How Arsenal could line up without Odegaard, Rice and Merino as Arteta faces midfield injury crisis in derby vs Spurs

ARSENAL could be forced into a new-look midfield against Tottenham after Martin Odegaard became the latest star to suffer a blow.

Mikel Arteta was already without Declan Rice and Mikel Merino for the upcoming derby in north London.

Rice is suspended after being sent off in Arsenal’s draw with Brighton before the international break.

While new signing Merino is out for several months after injuring his shoulder in a freak training ground fall.

But Arsenal are now set to be without Odegaard as well after he picked up an injury on international duty.

The Gunners captain was carried off the field in tears after hurting his ankle in Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria.

The 25-year-old went down after a 50/50 tussle as replays showed his ankle rolled out from beneath his body.

Odegaard looked distraught as he was forced off the field.

And it means Arteta is likely to be without him for Arsenal’s crunch clash at Spurs.

Thomas Partey and Jorginho were already likely starters in the absence of both Rice and Merino.

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But with Odegaard going too, Kai Havertz could be forced from his striker’s role into a deeper position.

Arsenal do not have many other options in that creative 10 position, with Fabio Vieira loaned to Porto and Emile Smith Rowe sold to Fulham.

Arteta could take a gamble by moving Leandro Trossard as a false nine, presenting an opportunity for Raheem Sterling to make his debut on the left.

While Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli will also be hoping to take advantage if Havertz is indeed dropped deeper.

An even more rogue choice would be the inclusion of teen sensation Ethan Nwaneri, who only made one appearance last season following his debut in the 2022/23 campaign.

Arteta could also decide to field one of his versatile defenders in midfield, with the likes of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber capable of stepping in.

However, he is already without Takehiro Tomiyasu for one of his full-back positions.

And with Riccardo Calafiori taken off injured for Italy too, he may not want to leave himself light on defensive options by using a back-liner further forward.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk