Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is scrambling to address Arsenal midfield crisis ahead of one of the most crucial periods of the season. With the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on the horizon, the Gunners face a formidable challenge due to the absence of key players Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
This setback could not come at a worse time, with the club’s Champions League campaign set to kick off against Atalanta shortly afterward and a daunting trip to Manchester City looming on the schedule.
Arsenal Midfield Crisis as Key Players Set to Miss Crucial Fixtures
The Arsenal midfield crisis is creating concerns for fans and analysts alike. Odegaard, Arsenal’s captain and creative lynchpin, sustained an ankle injury while playing for Norway in a Nations League match against Austria. A collision with Christoph Baumgartner left the midfielder in significant pain, and he was later seen using crutches, raising alarms within the Arsenal camp.
Speaking after the incident, Norway manager Stale Solbakken remarked, “It looked bad in the dressing room… It is not certain that Arteta will call me tonight and praise me.” The injury is expected to sideline Odegaard for several weeks, meaning he will miss pivotal matches.
Compounding Arteta’s woes, Declan Rice will also be unavailable for the clash against Tottenham due to a suspension. The England international received a red card during Arsenal’s last Premier League outing against Brighton, a decision that has been the subject of much debate. Rice’s absence leaves a significant gap in Arsenal’s midfield, as the player has been instrumental in maintaining the team’s balance both defensively and offensively.
Searching for Solutions Amid the Arsenal Midfield Crisis
With both Odegaard and Rice unavailable, Mikel Arteta now faces the difficult task of reconfiguring his midfield setup. Fortunately, Arsenal’s squad depth offers some potential solutions. Jorginho, who has often been overlooked in recent games, could step up in a deep-lying midfield role.
The Italian has proven his worth in high-pressure games, particularly last season when he played a pivotal role in a 3-1 victory over Liverpool. His ability to control the tempo of the game and distribute the ball effectively makes him a viable option.
Arteta may also look to shift players into unfamiliar roles to plug the gaps. One such player is Kai Havertz, who has been primarily deployed as a forward this season. However, Havertz’s versatility allows him to drop into midfield, a position he is comfortable with. With Gabriel Jesus returning to full fitness, the German could be shifted back into the center of the park, offering a creative outlet in the absence of Odegaard.
The Gunners have also recently signed Mikel Merino, though his involvement has been limited due to a shoulder injury sustained in training. Arteta confirmed the setback, saying, “He landed on the floor and Gabi [Gabriel Magalhaes] landed on top of him, it’s a fracture probably.” This injury rules out another potential solution to the ongoing Arsenal midfield crisis.
A Daunting Run of Fixtures Ahead
The timing of these injuries could hardly be worse for Arsenal. After facing Tottenham, the Gunners will embark on their Champions League campaign, where they are set to face Atalanta. This is quickly followed by a trip to the Etihad Stadium, where they will meet reigning Premier League champions Manchester City. These fixtures will test the depth and resilience of Arteta’s squad like never before, and the absence of Odegaard and Rice significantly raises the difficulty level.
Despite these setbacks, Arteta remains optimistic that Arsenal can navigate this tough period. He will be hoping that Jorginho and Havertz, alongside the likes of Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko, can step up and fill the void left by the injured and suspended players. Partey, who has played in a more advanced role this season, demonstrated his attacking capabilities with a well-taken goal against Aston Villa, proving that he can contribute higher up the field if needed.
Arsenal fans will also be eager to see how Leandro Trossard and Emile Smith Rowe can contribute, with both players offering alternative creative options in the absence of Odegaard. Trossard has been used as a forward, but his ability to play in midfield could be critical during this difficult period. Smith Rowe, though returning from injury himself, has the potential to make an impact in these big games if he regains match fitness in time.
Arsenal’s Depth to be Tested
This moment serves as a major test for Arteta’s tactical acumen and the newfound resilience Arsenal has developed in recent seasons. The Arsenal midfield crisis could become a pivotal point in their campaign, particularly if they manage to emerge from these tricky fixtures unscathed.
Although Arsenal has shown significant improvement in recent seasons, the team will need to rely on the depth and versatility of their squad to keep their Premier League and Champions League hopes alive. As Arteta searches for solutions to fill the gaps left by Odegaard and Rice, all eyes will be on how the Gunners handle this crucial period in their season.
