Arsenal's Odegaard Faces Injury Setback Ahead of North London Derby
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that further tests are needed to determine the extent of Martin Odegaard's ankle injury, leaving his participation in the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham uncertain. The Arsenal captain sustained the injury during Norway's Nations League match against Austria, sparking concern among fans and club officials alike.
Arteta, who is already grappling with the absence of Declan Rice (suspension) and Mikel Merino (shoulder injury), expressed his hope that Odegaard would recover in time for the crucial fixture. "We need some more tests so let’s see what happens in the next day or so," he stated during a press conference. "Let’s see what happens, what the extent of the injury is and how quickly we can get him back. He’s super positive about everything. We know Martin - he wants to be there every single day but we have to wait and see."
A Ray of Hope: Jesus's Potential Return
While Odegaard's injury casts a shadow over Arsenal's preparations, there's a glimmer of optimism on the horizon. Gabriel Jesus, who has been sidelined since mid-August with a groin problem, is expected to be available for selection against Tottenham. The Brazilian striker's return would provide a much-needed boost to Arsenal's attacking arsenal.
Arteta expressed his confidence in Jesus's recovery, stating: "Gabby was out there. He's got another session tomorrow and if everything goes well he will be ready to be selected in this squad which is great news for us."
Assessing the Other Injury Concerns
Alongside Odegaard's injury, Arsenal is also monitoring the fitness of Riccardo Calafiori, who returned early from international duty with Italy due to an issue sustained during the break. Arteta indicated that Calafiori's situation will require further assessment, adding: "He's another one where we'll have to wait another day."
Arteta, however, provided a positive update on Mikel Merino's recovery. Despite suffering a shoulder injury in his first week at the club, the Spanish midfielder is progressing well and making good use of his time off to familiarize himself with Arsenal's playing style. Arteta explained, "It's a slow process because it's a bone and it takes a while to heal. He is progressing well and is already doing some stuff. He is working extremely hard and we're using this time to make sure that he understands a lot of things that he has a lot of questions about, and when he’s back he’s ready to go and impact the team. "
The North London Derby Looms: A Battle for Supremacy
As the North London derby approaches, Arsenal's midfield concerns add another layer of intrigue to the already intense rivalry. Arteta's tactical decisions and player selections will be closely scrutinized as he seeks to maintain Arsenal's positive momentum.
The match, scheduled for Sunday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for dominance in the city and the bragging rights that come with it. The outcome of the derby will have a significant impact on the Premier League table, potentially setting the tone for the rest of the season.
