Arsenal will take on Tottenham Hotspur in a North London derby clash next time out in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta has some major issues to address ahead of his Arsenal side taking on Spurs.
Arsenal are currently facing something of a midfield crisis. Declan Rice picked up a one-match suspension after being sent off against Brighton last time out.
Despite Gary Lineker feeling Rice was harshly punished, the fact remains that the Gunners will now be without the former West Ham United man for this derby clash.
On top of that, summer signing Mikel Merino sustained an injury in his first Arsenal training session. The Spaniard will not be fit to return to action in time to play any part against Spurs.
Finally, there are now concerns about club captain Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian picked up a knock against Brighton and his struggles have continued whilst he is on international duty.
In order to cope with at least two (and perhaps three, if Odegaard is sidelined) absences in the middle of the park against Spurs, Arteta will have to restructure his midfield unit.
Mikel Arteta could gamble on Ethan Nwaneri
Hale End academy wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri is a hugely exciting prospect. The 17-year-old already has two Premier League cameos under his belt, and impressed during pre-season.
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The North London club decided against sending the youngster out on loan, and Arteta promised Nwaneri he will play this season if he earns the right to. The manager will now have an opportunity to make good on his word by bringing the teenager in for his first ever start against Spurs.
However, it would be a risk to hand Nwaneri his full debut in such a fixture and could ultimately do more harm than good in the context of his development.
Kai Havertz may drop deeper for Arsenal
Kai Havertz has impressed up front for Arsenal so far this season. However, Leandro Trossard could deputise up front for the German against Tottenham, or Gabriel Jesus could lead the line if he recovers from his injury in time.
Arteta has stated that Havertz may take up a midfield role at times this season, and his physicality would certainly come in handy in that part of the pitch against Spurs.
Jorginho and Thomas Partey partnership
Arteta has two midfield veterans at his disposal in the shape of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. At least one of this pair is almost certain to start in the derby. However, with both Rice and Merino out of action, there is a chance that Arteta could partner up the senior duo.
However, were Jorginho and Partey both to be named in the starting XI, there would surely be concerns about the Gunners’ ability to cope with the pace of the game in midfield.