Arsenal's Captain Odegaard Out with Ankle Injury: A Major Blow to Title Hopes

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that captain Martin Odegaard has suffered a “quite significant” ankle ligament injury, leaving the Gunners without their creative maestro for an unspecified period. The midfielder sustained the injury during Norway's Nations League win over Austria on Monday, 9 September, and missed his side's 1-0 win at Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday.

Arteta confirmed the severity of the injury after Odegaard underwent an MRI scan. "The scan showed some damage around the ligaments in the ankle so we are going to miss him,” said Arteta. "It's something quite significant so we are going to lose him for a while. Hopefully not months."

The injury means Odegaard will miss crucial games, including the trip to Italy for their Champions League opener against Atalanta on Thursday and their visit to leaders Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday.

"He's our captain," added Arteta. "He's been one of the biggest and best players in our team. Our identity is very linked to how he plays and behaves. It's a big test for the team to see how able we are to show a different face."

The Impact of Odegaard's Absence: A Creative Void

Odegaard's absence has already been felt in Arsenal's recent performances. With the Norwegian out of the team, the Gunners have generated a paltry Expected Goals (xG) of just 1.52 over their last two matches. This stark statistic highlights the creative void left by Odegaard, who was Arsenal's key playmaker and orchestrator in attack. Without him, Arteta's side lacks the spark and ingenuity to unlock defenses.

The timing of the injury couldn't be worse for Arsenal. They are already chasing Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, having dropped points in a match at home to Brighton. With City's Erling Haaland firing on all cylinders, Arsenal needs to be at their best to compete with the reigning champions, a challenge that becomes even more daunting without their talismanic midfielder.

Can Arsenal Find Solutions in Depth?

Despite building out their squad depth in recent seasons, Arteta does not have a like-for-like replacement for Odegaard. Declan Rice is capable of playing in a more advanced role, but his skillset is different from Odegaard's, lacking the same creative flair and vision. Similarly, Mikel Merino, who arrived from Real Sociedad this summer, is still recovering from a shoulder injury and is not yet ready to fill the void.

This situation puts a new perspective on Emile Smith Rowe's departure to Fulham in the summer. While the 24-year-old needed a fresh start to further his own career, his presence could have been invaluable to Arsenal at this time. The Gunners are facing a creative drought, and Smith Rowe's ability to unlock defenses could have provided a much-needed spark.

Fabio Vieira, on loan at Porto for the season, also might have offered some solutions. However, he was a peripheral figure in Arteta's squad last season and may not have been a guaranteed starter. Still, his presence could have provided some relief and creativity in midfield.

A Test of Character for Arteta and Arsenal

The extent of Odegaard's ankle injury remains unclear, but Arteta needs to formulate a plan to navigate the absence of his captain. Against Tottenham and Atalanta, Arteta opted for a more pragmatic approach, prioritizing solidity over attacking flair. However, this strategy might not be enough to maintain a title challenge in the long term.

Many believed Arsenal was poised to finally win the Premier League this season, but Arteta is now facing a significant test of his managerial abilities. The Gunners may not have expected this setback, but they need to find a way to cope until Odegaard returns, which could be a few months away. Arsenal's season is already on the line.

Arteta's Plans for the Future: Adaptability is Key

In the absence of Odegaard, Arteta may turn to a more experienced and adaptable midfield trio. One possible lineup could see Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Kai Havertz forming the midfield triangle. Jorginho, with his experience and composure, would be the anchor, while Partey would offer defensive solidity and passing lanes to one side. Havertz, who showed promise in a No 10 role for Germany against Hungary last week, could operate slightly more advanced, linking midfield to attack.

This formation, a slight variation from Arteta's usual 4-3-3, might better suit the strengths of the available midfield options. The tactical flexibility shown by Arteta and the players will be crucial in navigating this challenging period without Odegaard.

A Time for Others to Step Up: A Chance for Opportunity

While Odegaard's absence is a significant blow, it also represents an opportunity for other players to step up and prove their worth. The likes of Granit Xhaka, Jorginho, and even young Ethan Nwaneri, who made a stunning debut against Tottenham, will need to shoulder the responsibility and contribute to the team's success. The pressure is on for Arteta to find solutions and for the rest of the squad to rise to the challenge in the absence of their captain. The next few weeks will be a true test of character and resilience for Arsenal.