“I can’t imagine it”: Mikel Arteta broke down in tears while confirming SIX Arsenal stars will miss Tottenham game, which includes THREE New signings
“I can’t imagine it”: Mikel Arteta broke down in tears while confirming SIX Arsenal stars will miss Tottenham game, which includes THREE New signings
Such is the Arsenal squad Mikel Arteta has built, it could be argued that at least five stars could be considered Arsenal’s most important player. During their first Premier League title challenge, it looked as though William Saliba was undoubtedly that name after he missed the final few months with the Gunners dropping 15 points from a possible 27.
That summer, Declan Rice arrived through the door at Emirates Stadium for a record-breaking £105million with it quickly becoming clear just how important he was to Arteta’s plans. Meanwhile, at the top end of the pitch, Bukayo Saka’s goals have been vital in the Gunners picking up wins over their biggest rivals.
Those three names will likely get the most praise but someone like Ben White, based on his availability alone, is severely underappreciated. Martin Odegaard is another name in that category having missed just four Premier League appearances in the last two seasons, but that tally now looks set to increase.
On international duty for Norway, Odegaard picked up an ankle injury and now looks set to miss the remaining games in September which could have a detrimental impact on his club. Whether it be leading the press from the front, tracking back to help his teammates or, the one trait he is mostly known for, being Arsenal’s creative talisman, Odegaard is simply irreplaceable.
From his last 100 Arsenal appearances, he has contributed to 45 goals with some crucial strikes arriving against Tottenham and Chelsea. With his importance clear, the 25-year-old played just over 4,000 minutes last season with his three-week absence due to concussion telling in Arsenal’s results.
Odegaard missed league outings against Burnley, Sheffield United and Newcastle and though Arsenal strode past the two newly-promoted teams, St James’ Park threw up a different challenge. In a hostile environment, Arsenal were beaten in extremely controversial fashion with Anthony Gordon scoring the only goal of the game.
The previous season Odegaard scored from distance early on to settle nerves in the 2-0 victory and Arteta could have desperately done with his captain in the very same fixture just six months later.
While not quite comparative to Manchester City’s struggling record without Rodri, which saw Pep Guardiola’s side lose four of their six games in his absence, Odegaard’s importance to Arsenal is similar. Interestingly, the reigning Premier League champions have expertly navigated the first three games of this season without Rodri.
Mateo Kovacic has stepped up to the plate in the Spain international’s absence and Arsenal will need someone else to step forward with Odegaard likely to miss at least three weeks. Kai Havertz is expected to drop back into midfield with one of Leandro Trossard or Jorginho to replace Declan Rice and join Thomas Partey.
Following the challenging clash against Spurs, Arsenal then have to travel to the Etihad Stadium for a huge title clash against Man City with these two games likely to be defining in their 2024/25 season.
