Arsenal must unleash ‘unbelievable’ youngster in North London derby if Martin Odegaard is injured - opinion

If Mikel Arteta didn’t already have enough to ponder from a team selection point of view ahead of the North London derby, Arsenal may now have another injury issue.

Upon joining up for international duty with Norway, Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been labelled a doubt ahead of his country’s meeting with Kazakhstan.

Odegaard has a fresh injury according to Stale Solbakken, not just the knock he took against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend.

The Norwegian was grimacing in pain on the bench when he came off, seemingly as disappointed with his pain as he was with the events on the pitch.

Following Declan Rice’s controversial red card, Arsenal will already be without one of their key midfielders against Tottenham Hotspur, and perhaps they may now need an Odegaard replacement.

Ethan Nwaneri could make first Arsenal start in North London derby

Ethan Nwaneri has been on the bench for all three of Arsenal’s Premier League games so far this season, a 17-year-old who is edging ever closer to minutes. 

Nwaneri is yet to start a game for Arsenal, and it therefore might be a bold suggestion to say he should play as Arteta’s #10 in the derby.

(L-R) Riccardo Calafiori and (R) Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during a training session at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 26, 2024 in London Co...

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

However, those who watched the ‘unbelievable’ youngster in pre-season we’ll know that he’s ready.

Nwaneri is barely inferior to Arsenal’s starting players in terms of quality right now, even if he does lack experience.

But after scoring once again for England under-19s against Italy on Wednesday, the midfielder is regularly proving his quality.

And if Odegaard does have to miss the derby, what better way to galvanise the club than to start Nwaneri?

Riccardo Calafiori will be vital for Arsenal against Tottenham

It certainly wouldn’t be ideal if Arteta had to make so many changes in such a big game.

But obviously if Odegaard is fit, which will hopefully be the case, then only Rice will need replacing.

Perhaps starting Gabriel Martinelli instead of Leandro Trossard on the left-wing would be better-suited to beat Spurs, but that’s purely a tactical call for the Arsenal manager to make.

But in terms of replacing Rice, Calafiori should definitely start against Tottenham, an Italian who’s waited patiently for his chance in the opening weeks.

And with Jurrien Timber pushing into midfield, there’s the perfect opportunity for Calafiori to shine.