SETTABLOID

As Arsenal prepares to face Tottenham, the potential lineup raises questions about the midfield configuration and the decision surrounding Raheem Sterling. Mikel Arteta must navigate these pivotal choices that could impact the title chase.

Mikel Arteta is confronted with crucial decisions that could define Arsenal’s title aspirations as they gear up for a significant North London Derby against Tottenham in the Premier League.

The team has faced several setbacks during the September international break, including Declan Rice’s red card and the disappointing draw against Brighton.

Prior to these challenges, Arsenal had secured victories against Wolves and Aston Villa, but the unexpected points dropped against Brighton have cast a shadow over their title ambitions.

A two-week break seemed timely for the squad, yet it may not have provided the relief they anticipated.

Midfield Conundrum
With the news of Odegaard’s injury, various midfield combinations have been proposed, but Arteta’s final choice remains uncertain.

It appears likely that Kai Havertz will be pushed back into a deeper role, but the identity of his partner alongside Thomas Partey is still up for debate.

Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Jurrien Timber, and even Ethan Nwaneri are all contenders for a starting position in the Derby.

However, with Declan Rice unavailable, the decision may become clearer. Given the significance of the match, Arteta might opt to include Jorginho in his starting lineup.

Sterling Consideration
While Trossard began on the left against Brighton, he has the versatility to play in midfield or as a forward.

If Havertz is moved deeper, it would open up an attacking position, potentially allowing Gabriel Martinelli to return to the lineup. Nevertheless, Arteta might consider a bold move by starting Raheem Sterling.

Having spent the last fortnight training with the loan signing at London Colney, Arteta will have a good sense of Sterling’s readiness.

Although Sterling has been training primarily as a right winger and could serve as a backup to Saka, he possesses the ability to operate effectively on both flanks.

Odegaard’s anticipated absence not only necessitates a decision regarding the midfield but also raises questions about the captaincy.

The 25-year-old has served as the club captain for the past two years, but he will not hold that role this weekend.

Given their experience, Thomas Partey, Jorginho, or even Gabriel Jesus could be considered for the captaincy, although Bukayo Saka appears to be the most suitable choice.

The England international has previously taken on leadership duties, and leading his team in a North London Derby would be a significant moment.

Regarding left-back options, if Arteta decides to deploy Timber in midfield rather than having him invert from the left-back position, he has several alternatives available.

Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jakub Kiwior are all capable of filling that role, with Takehiro Tomiyasu also a possibility, although he is currently sidelined due to injury.

Calafiori has frequently been brought on in the latter stages to strengthen Arsenal’s defense, and given the upcoming challenge, the Italy international is likely to step in for Timber if he is moved forward.

However, following an injury sustained during international duty, Calafiori’s fitness is not guaranteed, which may lead Arteta to stick with his original plan and start Timber at full-back, though alternatives are available.

While not the primary focus, Arteta will likely keep an eye on the upcoming Champions League match against Atalanta and the subsequent trip to Manchester City.

Considering the significance of the week ahead, the Gunners’ manager may adjust his starting lineup, as it is improbable that every player will feature in all three matches.

Players like Gabriel Jesus, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Jorginho, and Sterling will be eager for a chance, but Arteta may not accommodate all of them.

The Spaniard has previously been assertive about rotation, but the demanding fixture schedule and existing injuries within his squad may ultimately compel him to make changes.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta faces a significant decision this weekend regarding his lineup for the match against Tottenham.

Arsenal has suggested that their £45 million player could exit the club if he is not featured in the team for the match against Tottenham.

The club has advised their £45 million player that he may have the opportunity to leave if he is not included in the squad to face Tottenham.

The recent injury to Martin Odegaard during international duty has posed a challenge for the Gunners, compelling Arteta to reconsider his starting eleven.

Leandro Trossard is a strong candidate to step in for Odegaard, but Arteta has other alternatives, such as repositioning Kai Havertz into a deeper role.

If Havertz transitions to midfield, it would create an opening in the attacking trio, leaving it uncertain whether Trossard will occupy that position.

Arsenal also has additional options available, including Gabriel Jesus and promising young player Ethan Nwaneri.

In relation to Jesus, a former striker has indicated that the Brazilian may contemplate a departure if he continues to be overlooked in the starting lineup.

Discussing Arsenal’s attacking strategies on TalkSPORT, Saunders brought up the possibility of Jesus seeking a move if he is not regularly included in the starting squad soon.

Saunders expressed his concerns, stating, “I often wonder how long Jesus will tolerate being sidelined.”

He continued, “I believe he is a talented footballer. Clearly, his goal tally is not sufficient; otherwise, the team wouldn’t be in search of a striker. But how long will he remain on the bench at Arsenal before he finally says, ‘I’ve had enough’?”

He questioned, “How many matches will he endure in this situation?”

Jesus must assert himself effectively. Arsenal invested £45 million to acquire Gabriel Jesus, and while he has been a significant addition to the team, his goal-scoring has not met expectations.

This has led to discussions suggesting that Arsenal should have pursued Ivan Toney during the summer, implying they may have missed out on 20-25 goals per season.

Injuries have also hindered Jesus’ development, and now that he is fit again, it is crucial for him to secure playing time and prove to Mikel Arteta that he deserves to be included in the lineup.

Currently, he has not fully achieved that goal.

However, there is no better opportunity to make an impact than by becoming the standout player in this weekend’s North London derby.

Arsenal Injury Update: Merino, Rice, and Jesus Following Brighton Draw

The latest updates from Arsenal come after the Gunners secured a draw against Brighton, finishing 1-1, as attention shifts to the upcoming match against Tottenham post-international break.

As the 2024/25 Premier League season progresses, the first international break has arrived. Arsenal concludes this initial phase with seven points from three matches, having won their first two before drawing with Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta’s team initially took the lead with a goal from Kai Havertz, but Declan Rice received a contentious second yellow card shortly after halftime. Brighton capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Joao Pedro equalizing just before the hour mark.

With a two-week hiatus ahead, Arsenal will return to action with a crucial North London derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Due to his red card against Brighton, Rice will be unavailable for this match due to suspension.

However, Arteta may welcome back another player from injury. Here’s the latest from the treatment room as we enter the international break.

Mikel Merino

Injury: Shoulder

Arteta’s comments: “We need to assess the situation. He was in considerable pain,” Arteta stated on Friday. “Further tests will provide us with clearer information.”

Expected return date: Unknown

Declan Rice

Reason for absence: Suspension

Following two yellow cards in the draw against Brighton, Rice will serve a one-match suspension, ruling him out of the North London derby after the international break.

Return date: Vs Bolton (A) Carabao Cup.

Takehiro Tomiyasu

Injury: Knee

Arteta’s comments: “Currently, it’s challenging to determine [his return timeline]. The initial phase of recovery is progressing slowly,” he stated on Friday. “The medical team is likely in a better position to provide updates. He hasn’t participated in any training sessions yet.”

Expected return date: Undetermined

Gabriel Jesus

Injury: Groin

Arteta’s comments: “He is making significant progress. After experiencing a muscle injury, he is already engaging in many activities, so we anticipate his return to the squad very soon.”

Expected return date: Against Tottenham (A), Sunday, September 15

Kieran Tierney

Injury: Hamstring

Arteta’s comments: “He will still be a few weeks behind schedule.” (August 16).

Expected return date: Undetermined