Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori and Martin Odegaard picked up injuries with their national teams. (Image: TV2 / Getty.)
Arsenal’s squad suddenly looks quite depleted ahead of the north London derby on Sunday after Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori joined the Gunners’ growing injury list.
Captain Odegaard was forced off the pitch with a suspected ankle injury during Norway’s Nations League match with Austria, with head coach Stale Solbakken explaining: "Martin Odegaard's injury looked bad in the dressing room as well."
Calafiori similarly had to be taken off during Italy’s clash with France after a painful calf injury, forcing him to return to England for treatment in the hope of competing against Tottenham.
David Raya played in both of Spain’s Nations League matches against Switerzland and Serbia, conceding just once in the two matches and coming through unscathed. Barring any surprise issues that arise, Arteta’s number one will continue between the posts and Neto remains on standby to make his debut.
David Raya in action for Spain against Switzerland. (Image: Getty)
Defence: White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber
Three-quarters of Arteta’s preferred back four are a staple and although William Saliba and Gabriel went away with France and Brazil respectively, the centre-back pairing and Ben White are certain to start away to Tottenham.
Calafiori’s injury has opened the door for Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the Italian in a race against time to prove his fitness in order to go up against the likes of Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski or Wilson Odobert on that flank.
Given Arsenal face a challenging test away from home, Arteta is likely to prefer the defensive and tactical nous that Timber provides over Zinchenko’s ability on the ball.
The Ukrainian has a chance to step into midfield following the absences of Rice and Odegaard, but he has not played that role in some time in the Premier League and Arteta is likely to opt for others.
Midfield: Partey, Jorginho, Havertz
A much-changed Arsenal midfield could line up against Spurs if Odegaard is ruled out and forced to sit on the sidelines with the suspended Rice.
Jorginho came into the team on such occasions last season and could form a pivot with Thomas Partey, a slight change to the 4-3-3 shape that has seen Rice play further advanced than the Ghanaian.
Kai Havertz has thrived as a striker under Arteta but may have to return to a familiar midfield role in Odegaard’s absence, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri unlikely to be thrown straight into the deep end.
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Jorginho could make his first Arsenal appearance of the season at Tottenham. (Image: Getty)
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Attack: Saka, Jesus, Trossard
Havertz would likely sit much higher up the pitch than Jorginho and Partey, in a potential second-striker role, off of Gabriel Jesus if the Brazilian can prove his fitness in time.
Arteta confirmed that Jesus would be available “pretty soon” before the international break, but Gabriel Martinelli could lead the line if he has not recovered in time.
