Chris Kavanagh controversially dismissed Rice on Saturday against Brighton & Hove Albion, handing the Arsenal midfielder a second yellow, when it appeared as if he was the one being needlessly kicked – not the ball.
Micah Richards was furious with Rice’s red, an opinion shared by almost every Arsenal supporter.
Nonetheless, Arsenal will be without Rice against Tottenham, they won’t be able to appeal the decision given it was for two yellow cards.
And although Arteta will be disappointed to be without such a key player, there will now be an exciting opportunity for another member of his squad.
Riccardo Calafiori can win Arsenal the North London Derby in Declan Rice’s absence
On paper, it may seem a little odd to suggest that Riccardo Calafiori is the right player to replace Rice, a defender coming in for someone who often plays as an eight.
But that’s where Jurrien Timber comes in.
Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal warms up during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on ...
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Last season, Arsenal missed Timber immensely – which is an odd statement given he’d only just arrived at the club.
But it was clear that Arteta saw the Dutchman as someone who could give him so much tactical freedom at the back – a true utility man.
And against Spurs, Timber looks well suited to making the move up into midfield, vacating the left-back spot for Arsenal’s £42m Italian.
Arsenal will miss injured Mike Merino for some time, a player who would have been such an obvious replacement for Rice.
But if Arteta uses Timber in a more advanced position, it means Kai Havertz doesn’t need to drop from his role as a false nine,
Arsenal can’t sacrifice Kai Havertz against Tottenham
During pre-season, Arteta once again used Havertz as a number eight whilst stateside, and the German was very good in the role.
However, it would be a real shame for Havertz to vacate his position as the club’s number nine in such a monumental game, especially when he’s playing so well.
Gabriel Jesus is injured right now, meaning there may not be an obvious alternative to Havertz up top either.
Perhaps Leandro Trossard could play as either the eight or the nine, dovetailing with Havertz in similar fashion to last season.
But if Arsenal want to be defensively resolute, which is important away from home in the derby, then deploying both Calafiori and Timber on the left would be an excellent shout – two incredibly talented players
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