Arsenal face a significant setback as captain Martin Ødegaard is sidelined for up to two months following an ankle ligament injury. Ødegaard, Arsenal’s creative linchpin, has been instrumental since his 2021 transfer from Real Madrid for €35 million. During his tenure, he has made 156 appearances, scored 35 goals, and provided 25 assists, underlining his crucial role in the team’s resurgence.
In this article, we explore Arsenal’s options for coping without their captain as they prepare for a demanding schedule, including key matches against Manchester City, PSG, and Chelsea.
Ødegaard’s Impact on Arsenal’s Success
Since Ødegaard’s arrival, he has been pivotal to Arsenal’s attacking play, particularly during their recent title challenges against Manchester City. Over the last two seasons, only Bukayo Saka has contributed more goals and assists than Ødegaard. Last season, the Norwegian registered 11 goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances, following a stellar 2022/2023 campaign with 15 goals and 7 assists.
His absence, caused by an injury sustained on international duty with Norway in the Nations League, leaves a gaping hole in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.
Arsenal’s First Game Without Ødegaard: North London Derby Success
Arsenal have already played one match without Ødegaard, a 1-0 win over rivals Tottenham Hotspur, secured by Gabriel Magalhães’ headed goal. Leandro Trossard filled the attacking midfield role alongside Jorginho and Thomas Partey, while promising Hale End graduate Ethan Nwaneri made a second-half substitute appearance.
Arsenal also played against last season’s Europa League champions, Atalanta, in the Champions League last night, a match that ended in a 0-0 draw. Havertz’s presence in midfield provided some balance, but the team struggled to create the decisive chances without Ødegaard’s creative influence.
With more crucial fixtures looming, how can Arsenal cope without their captain?
1. Leandro Trossard: Versatile and Reliable
Leandro Trossard, who played in midfield during the North London Derby, is arguably Arsenal’s most adaptable player. He can play across the front line and in attacking midfield, making him a reliable short-term solution. However, given the number of games in which Arsenal will be without Ødegaard, other alternatives must be considered.
2. Kai Havertz: A Versatile Option
Kai Havertz, a summer signing from Chelsea, has predominantly played as Arsenal’s centre-forward. However, he began his Gunners career in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Ødegaard. Known for his flexibility—having played as a left-back for Germany and as an attacking midfielder for Bayer Leverkusen—Havertz is a strong contender to step into Ødegaard’s role.
With Gabriel Jesus returning to full fitness, Havertz could drop deeper into midfield, allowing for fluidity in Arsenal’s attack. Jesus and Havertz could interchange between the striker and attacking midfield roles, utilising their ability to drop deep and build play from the back.
3. Ethan Nwaneri: The Rising Star
Ethan Nwaneri is another option for Arteta. The highly-rated Hale End graduate became the youngest player to debut in the Premier League when he featured against Brentford last season. While still unproven at the highest level, Nwaneri provides depth from the bench and can be eased into action through cup games, gradually gaining first-team experience.
4. Raheem Sterling: A Creative Alternative
Raheem Sterling, Arsenal’s latest signing from Chelsea, offers another potential midfield option. While Sterling is traditionally a winger, his dribbling ability and creativity often see him drift into central areas. His experience across various attacking roles makes him a valuable asset for Arteta, providing additional flexibility and rotation options in the absence of Ødegaard.
Conclusion: Coping Without Ødegaard
Arsenal face a challenging period without their captain and chief playmaker, Martin Ødegaard. While Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, and Ethan Nwaneri offer short-term solutions, the team will need to adapt tactically to ensure they remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions.
The Gunners’ ability to navigate this difficult spell will be critical in determining the success of their campaign.