Arsenal Insider

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has picked up a knock whilst on international duty with Italy.

Riccardo Calafiori’s fitness issue has only added to Arsenal’s injury woes.

A number of Mikel Arteta’s players are already struggling. Mikel Merino picked up an injury in his first training session in North London, before even making his debut for the club, joining Takehiro Tomiyasu on the treatment table.

Martin Odegaard is carrying a fitness issue, and on top of that, Gabriel Jesus is still working his way back from an injury.

Calafiori limped off whilst representing Italy in their recent 3-1 win over France. He has now returned to the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal have been assured Calafiori’s injury doesn’t appear overly serious, but there will still be concerns until a full assessment has been made by the club.

It would still seem unlikely that the 22-year-old will be deemed available to start against Tottenham Hotspur in Arsenal’s upcoming North London derby.

How Arsenal will cope without Riccardo Calafiori against Tottenham

Calafiori is yet to start a game for Arsenal since joining the club this summer, but there is an argument that Spurs would have been the ideal side to hand the defender his full debut against.

His aerial prowess, pace, and physicality in the left-back role will have given the Gunners additional defensive security in a game that is sure to be frenetic, against an opponent who are sure to be keen to play on the front foot.

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However, with Calafiori unlikely to be in any shape to start, Arteta must turm to his alternative left-back options, namely, Jurrien Timber, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jakub Kiwior.

Timber started Arsenal’s recent draw against Brighton. He offers greater defensive stability than Zinchenko, but provides more attacking intent than Kiwior can offer.

Arsenal fans react to Calafiori injury news

Many Arsenal fans on X are now nervously awaiting the outcome of Calafiori’s full assessment.

One said: “I really hope that this is not a serious injury.”

Another stated: “Mixed feelings: happy he’s coming home, but nervous about those injury scans!”

One supporter added: “I hope it’s not something serious. If this guy gets injured, our season is done.”

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.

Arsenal are scheduled to face Tottenham Hotspur in the first game after the international break.

The Gunners have had a decent start to the new season, winning two and drawing one of their first three games. Spurs, on the other hand, have won just one game so far.

The first North London Derby of the season will be at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and we’re sure the home fans will do everything they can to push their side on.

Arsenal have quite a few problems going into the game, but Mikel Arteta could do something to surprise Spurs and get another one over them.

Mikel Arteta should change Jurrien Timber’s position for Tottenham vs Arsenal

Arsenal will be forced to make at least one change for the game against Tottenham.

Declan Rice is suspended for the North London Derby following his red card against Brighton and Hove Albion just before the international break.

That complicates things for Arteta as he is also without summer signing Mikel Merino, who suffered an injury in his very first training session with the club.

The Arsenal manager has a few options to choose from, but we think he should surprise everyone and give Jurrien Timber an opportunity in midfield.

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The Dutchman has been superb for Arsenal in both full-back positions, but we think he has most of the characteristics a player needs to thrive in the middle of the park.

Timber is good on the ball, excellent in tight spaces and most importantly, his positional discipline is up there with the very best at Arsenal.

Only recently, an Ajax coach who worked with Timber confirmed that he is capable of playing in midfield, which is positive news.

We really think Timber in the middle of the park alongside Thomas Partey would give Arsenal the balance they need to beat Tottenham quite convincingly.

What will Timber offer in midfield for Arsenal?

Timber hasn’t ever started a game as a midfielder in his entire senior career, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play in that position.

Arteta has already confirmed that Timber can play in midfield, and we think he checks a lot of boxes for Arsenal in the middle of the park.

The most important trait Timber possesses is calmness on the ball. He isn’t fazed even when he’s under pressure and he has the ability to get himself out of trouble if he’s closed down.

To add to that, the £38 million Dutchman understands positioning really well. He already tucks into midfield whenever he plays at left-back, and he has always looked comfortable there.

Finally, as a defender, Timber has the awareness to stop dangerous transitions – that will be key against a side like Tottenham.

We really think Timber is the right man to replace Rice against Spurs, but whether Arteta will share the same view remains to be seen.

Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur right after the international break, and Mikel Arteta has a few problems ahead of the game.

The North London Derby is often the biggest game of the season for Gooners, and the one coming up will be a difficult test.

That’s because Declan Rice is suspended, Mikel Merino is ruled out due to an injury and it’s still unclear whether Gabriel Jesus will make it.

To add to that, in what could be a huge blow, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has suffered an injury, and there are huge concerns over his availability for the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Arteta will need to figure out who to deploy in the number 10 role if Odegaard doesn’t recover.

Mikel Arteta should unleash Ethan Nwaneri if Martin Odegaard is ruled out of Tottenham vs Arsenal

Odegaard is one of Arsenal’s most important players.

The Norwegian is the one who often leads the press in the final third, and his work rate is up there with the very best in the entire Premier League.

To add to that, Odegaard is a magician on the ball. He is capable of unlocking any defence, and he is a goal threat too – especially against Tottenham having scored twice against them in the past.

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With the Arsenal number eight an injury doubt for the game at Spurs now, Arteta should be thinking of potential alternatives if his captain doesn’t make it.

We think Ethan Nwaneri deserves a chance.

The teenager holds the record for being the youngest player to make an appearance in the Premier League in the history of the competition.

He got plenty of chances in pre-season this summer, and Nwaneri’s performances were absolutely fantastic, even against senior pros.

The 17-year-old has been an unused substitute in each of Arsenal’s first three Premier League games this season, but we think he should be considered against Tottenham if Odegaard is unavailable.

Nwaneri could prove to be a big weapon as there’s no way Spurs will expect him to play.

Mikel Arteta’s two summer transfer decisions could seriously backfire now

Arsenal fans are all praying that Odegaard will recover in time to be available for the North London Derby.

The Norwegian is a very difficult player to replace in this Gunners side, and the two men who could’ve filled in for him are no longer at the club.

Fabio Vieira was Arsenal’s natural alternative to Odegaard, but he was sent out on loan to Porto for the remainder of this season. The other option was Emile Smith Rowe, but he was sold to Fulham.

We hope Odegaard will be fine, but if his injury is serious, Arteta and everyone else involved in transfers could end up regretting their decisions about Vieira and Smith Rowe.

Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur right after the international break.

The North London Derby is one of the biggest games of the season for Gooners, and even though the fixture is over a week away, the excitement is high.

Arsenal have a few problems going into the game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Declan Rice is suspended and Mikel Merino is ruled out due to his injury.

Mikel Arteta has a lot to think about regarding his midfield, and GiveMeSport have made a surprising claim now ahead of the derby.

Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand could make Arsenal debut vs Tottenham

Salah-Eddine Oulad M’hand joined Arsenal’s academy from Feyenoord on a free transfer in the summer of 2020.

The young midfielder has had his ups and downs in North London, but he has always been viewed as a superb talent by everyone who has watched him.

The 21-year-old was a part of the club’s USA pre-season tour squad this summer, and Salah-Eddine blew fans away with his performances for Arsenal.

That seems to have caught Arteta’s eye, and the Gunners boss is said to be looking at Salah-Eddine as a surprise option for the North London Derby.

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The report claims that Rice and Merino’s unavailability has put the Arsenal youngster in line to make his debut against Tottenham.

Salah-Eddine was on the bench in the Gunners’ draw against Brighton, and although a start seems unlikely in the derby, the report claims he could get an opportunity off the bench.

That would be huge for Salah-Eddine.

What Mikel Arteta privately thinks about Salah-Eddine

Arteta has come under a bit of criticism recently for not giving young players opportunities in competitive first-team games.

That is not completely the Arsenal manager’s fault as it’s extremely difficult to give chances to inexperienced academy players when you’re challenging for the Premier League title.

However, against Tottenham in the derby, Arteta could make the bold decision of using young Salah-Eddine at some point in the game because of the issues in his midfield.

That’s because the report claims that the Spaniard is ‘an admirer of the fact that Oulad M’Hand has a big belief in his own ability, despite being aware that it will be difficult to make a breakthrough when Arsenal are at full strength and battling for silverware’.

The 21-year-old wants to become the next Arsenal academy talent to feature in the Premier League, and if things go to plan, he could get his wish very soon.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has expressed his concern over the Premier League challenges ahead for his former club.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be desperate to get their hands on the Premier League title in May, having missed out in two consecutive seasons to Manchester City.

It’s a tough ask for Arsenal to chase down City, who have been near perfect under Pep Guardiola, winning four consecutive titles, including a treble win.

Three games into the season and the race is already on, with the Gunners already feeling the pressure of the title race, according to Paul Merson.

Paul Merson makes Arsenal Premier League title prediction

Arsenal will be eager to right their wrongs against Tottenham following the international break, after dropping points to Brighton on match day three.

Speaking ahead of the North London derby, Merson hammered home the importance of the fixture, for reasons besides bragging rights.

The Arsenal legend stressed that three points is essential against Spurs, with an eye on the following battle at the Etihad against Manchester City.

“I don’t think fixtures have been kind to Arsenal this season, you don’t want to be playing catch up with Man City,” Merson said on Sky Sports.

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“If they don’t win this game then lose to Man City, then they could be seven, eight, nine, points behind and I’m afraid that will be miles too many.”

In an ideal world, Arsenal would be heading into the North London derby with three wins in three, matching City and Liverpool’s perfect start.

The possibility is there that Arteta’s side will secure wins over both Spurs and City although they’d have to achieve a feat at the Etihad that hasn’t been done since 2015.

Merson’s concerns ring true, as City are already displaying explosive and title-hungry form, with Erling Haaland the driving force behind the machine.

Arsenal have some daunting challenges ahead

September is a gruelling month for Arsenal, not helped by it being kicked off with the international break.

As well as attempting to be flawless in the Premier League, the Gunners return to action in both the Carabao Cup and the Champions League.

Alarmingly, Arsenal face a staggering five figures in a period of just 13 days, three of which coming away from home.

To add to the unacceptable schedule for the first team to conquer is the pressure of needing to win every game, as the bar set by City is one of perfection.

Merson is already doubtful of Arsenal’s ability to chase City, telling of the task Arteta has to convince the Premier League that his squad can challenge for the title once more.

Arsenal legend Paul Merson has already started thinking about the North London derby.

The Gunners will travel to N17 after the international break to battle for three points against Spurs in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side will be eager to redeem themselves in style after dropping points to Brighton last time out at the Emirates.

While Arsenal will be confident heading to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as a result of their record there over the past two seasons, there are already some doubts ahead of the game.

Paul Merson shares North London derby verdict

A host of Arteta’s players are currently on international duty although their minds won’t be far from the upcoming duel against Tottenham.

Games don’t come much bigger than the North London derby for both Arsenal and Spurs, who will be raring to go to battle next weekend.

Arsenal have won on their previous two visits to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium however, Paul Merson doubts that the Gunners will have another easy ride.

“I was very bullish last time, turned up and thought Arsenal are going to win this game, I ain’t sure this time,” Merson explained to Sky Sports.

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“Declan Rice is a big miss. I think it’s a big two games for Arsenal coming up, if they don’t get at least four points the they’re right up against it, a big big football match.”

Declan Rice picked up a controversial red card against Brighton, a decision that has certainly split opinion and one that rules him out of the North London derby.

Arteta will also be without fellow midfielder Mikel Merino, giving the manager a significant challenge to overcome when selecting his starting XI.

Arsenal must be wary of Tottenham’s threat

Aside from the fact that Arteta will be missing a crucial part of the spine of his team, Merson also called on the Gunners to not underestimate Spurs.

While the Lilywhites haven’t had an overly impressive start, recording a win, a draw and a defeat from their opening three Premier League games, the Arsenal icon believes that Ange Postecoglou’s side have a lot more to offer.

“I think Tottenham should have more points than they should have, they were outstanding against Leicester in the first half, I think this is a difficult game for Arsenal.”

For three points and for bragging rights, Arteta will be hopeful of defying the odds and emerging victorious from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with a lot riding on the Spaniard’s squad selection.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has reported to international duty carrying more than just a knock.

The 25-year-old was not his usual self against Brighton last week in the Premier League and was seen hobbling around on numerous occasions.

Odegaard suffered a knock in the first half of the game and never seemed to shake it off however, the midfielder reported to international duty as usual.

Mikel Arteta will hope now more than ever to see his players return from the international break ready to attack the North London derby although, there may be an issue for his captain.

Stale Solbakken says Martin Odegaard is carrying an injury

Odegaard had a relaxing summer as Norway did not qualify for Euro 2024 however, his national team are raring to achieve more in the coming months.

Stale Solbakken’s side will face Kazakhstan and Austria in the Nations League during the September international break, fixtures that Odegaard may not be a part of.

Speaking in a press conference, Solbakken shared an update on the Arsenal captain’s fitness, suggesting that the midfielder is carrying more than just the knock he sustained against Brighton.

When asked if Odegaard is still feeling the effects of the Brighton fixture, Solbakken said, “I don’t think that’s what it is, I think it’s another bang.”

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The Norweigan added, “I was about to say. I think it is something other than the bang, so to speak.”

It’s a concerning admission for both Norway and Arsenal, with Odegaard being at the heart of both sides.

Arsenal team news ahead of the North London derby

When the international break concludes, domestic action will resume in style for the Gunners, as a trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium comes next in the Premier League.

Aside from Odegaard’s injury concerns, Declan Rice is suspended for the fixture and fellow midfielder Mikel Merino is also injured.

Arteta has a real problem to solve in the middle of the park based on the absences of his two deep midfielders, with Odegaard’s revelation not coming as welcomed news.

The severity of the skipper’s knock is yet to be known, with there hope that the playmaker is given some time to rest ahead of the critical clash with Spurs.

Norway are in action on Friday afternoon against Kazakhstan and again on Monday night against Austria, with Arsenal eyes set to be locked on both games to learn more about Odegaard’s status.

Arsenal’s first game after the international break will be against Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

The Gunners are unbeaten against Spurs in the last four derbies and have only lost one game since the turn of 2021. That is a very good record and we’re sure Mikel Arteta will want to continue that.

Arsenal will be desperate to bounce back after dropping points against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Emirates just before the international break.

Raheem Sterling is expected to make his Arsenal debut against Tottenham, and he can become an instant fan favourite if he delivers against Spurs.

Raheem Sterling is ready to play as Arsenal’s false-nine vs Tottenham

Arteta has a few problems with his squad ahead of the big game against Tottenham.

Declan Rice is suspended after his red card against Brighton, while it’s unclear if Gabriel Jesus will be back from his injury for the derby.

Mikel Merino is out injured as well and will definitely miss the game, which limits the Gunners’ options in the middle of the park.

Now, GiveMeSport claim that Arteta is toying with the idea of bringing Kai Havertz back to midfield to play as a left-sided number eight.

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That would leave a hole at the top end of the pitch, especially if Jesus isn’t back, and the report claims that Sterling is ‘open’ to leading the Gunners’ line as a false nine.

It has been claimed that the Chelsea loanee is ‘open-minded about how he can aid Arsenal in their push to be crowned the Premier League champions’ and insiders have revealed to the outlet that he would be ‘happy to feature in the false nine position’ in the derby.

That certainly gives Arteta a new option, but it remains to be seen whether he will opt to use Sterling up top at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

One pro and one con of Arsenal starting Sterling as a striker

Tottenham have had a poor start to the season, winning just one of their first three games in the Premier League. However, we’re sure they will be raring to go against Arsenal.

Rice’s red card complicates things for the Gunners, and that has led to the idea of deploying Sterling as a false nine in order to bring Havertz back to midfield.

The one positive if Arteta goes with that would be Sterling’s pace. Spurs play a high line, and Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have both been caught out in the past.

Sterling’s speed combined with that of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on either flank could cause Tottenham all sorts of problems in the North London Derby.

The big concern, however, is Sterling’s physicality.

Havertz is capable of physically dominating both Romero and Van de Ven while also linking play up with his back to goal. That brings his teammates into play.

Sterling cannot do that, which is why we think he should only be used out wide in the big game against Spurs.

Arsenal face a huge dilemma for their next game after their 1-1 draw at home to Brighton, as Declan Rice is now suspended.

Referee Chris Kavanagh awarded Rice a second yellow card in astonishing circumstances, as the midfielder was booked after Brighton defender Joel Veltman kicked him after the ball touched Rice’s foot during a stoppage.

Mikel Arteta has slammed the inconsistency of the refereeing decisions on display, which saw Joao Pedro unpunished for the same offence earlier on in the same game, and he will now be without his record signing for the next game.

The problem is that the next game is a tough away trip to Tottenham Hotspur, and with Arsenal already dropping points, they cannot afford to lose if they are to keep pace with Manchester City.

Summer signing Mikel Merino picked up an injury in training, which now appears to have come at the worst possible time, and Arteta now has a problem in midfield.

Arsenal face midfield problem against Tottenham Hotspur without Declan Rice

Although Rice has not been at his best in the last few games, he is still a crucial figure in midfield, and especially in tough away games.

The upcoming North London derby promises to be a fiery one against an intense attacking side, and legs are needed in midfield.

Although Thomas Partey has impressed on the ball in the last two games, his physicality is not what it used to be before his injury issues last year, and Jorginho is also not suited to more physically intense games.

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Jorginho and Partey have also never started together in midfield, and with both more suited to a deeper midfield role, there may not be balance with both in the lineup.

Mikel Arteta could finally try Oleksandr Zinchenko in Arsenal midfield

Questions have constantly been raised about Oleksandr Zinchenko’s defensive abilities at left-back, and many Arsenal fans are keen to see him tried in midfield, where he plays for Ukraine.

However, Mikel Arteta has previously shut down the idea of moving Zinchenko futher up the pitch, but this could be a surprise solution to Rice’s absence.

Zinchenko would bring technical composure to the middle of the park, and could also tuck in next to Partey to try and provide extra support.

With the main number eight options in Rice and Merino absent, this could be the opportunity he has been waiting for. Any option Arteta goes with would be a risk, but if Zinchenko thrives in midfield, it could open up further opportunities for him in the position.