How Arsenal could line up against Tottenham without Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice

Arsenal are poised to go to Tottenham without two of their leading lights in Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.
Their Norwegian skipper suffered an injury on Monday night which could rule him out of Sunday's north London derby. Odegaard was seen on the ground in serious pain before he had to be helped off the pitch having sustained an ankle issue.

Odegaard scored in this fixture two seasons ago and is Arsenal's most creative player with his absence poised to hit their attack. Mikel Arteta's midfield - and who he chooses to pick - is set to play a massive part in the result with Declan Rice also a major absentee.

The former West Ham man has been a hugely influential figure, safeguarding the team's defence, but his red card against Brighton means that Arsenal will have to rejig two third of their midfield with Rice and Odegaard both stalwarts.

Thomas Partey has played alongside Rice and Odegaard in midfield for the opening three games of the season and the Ghanaian will need to step up, likely alongside Jorginho. The Italian has proved to be impressive cover in midfield with his experience a plus.

In front of them Odegaard's replacement is likely between two - Kai Havertz or Leandro Trossard. Havertz has operated as a false nine for the last few months and thrived, but has spent much of his career as a creative midfielder and may drop back if the Norwegian is missing.

Trossard's versatility has been a huge plus since his move from Brighton. He's played in numerous positions across the frontline and his skillset means he too is capable of dropping back into a No 10 role. Arsenal's lack of squad depth has been cited as an issue in recent years and that problem looks set to rear its head once more.

Mikel Arteta will have to rejig his midfield for the north London derby
The injury issues suffered by new signing Mikel Merino are untimely, but Arteta did also sanction the summer departures of several squad players whose minutes were limited. Arsenal have enjoyed great continuity with their starting XI - but it has left fringe players wanting to seek pastures new.

Emile Smith Rowe joined Fulham just weeks ago whilst Fabio Vieira is back at Porto on a season-long loan. Both men could fill in as No 10s if they were still at the club.

In attack Gabriel Jesus is set to return to fitness and can go in as the team's No 9 should Havertz dropped into midfield. Bukayo Saka has a strong record against Tottenham and will likely to continue in the frontline with Gabriel Martinelli another option, and new signing Raheem Sterling likely to be on the bench.

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