Alan Smith says Arsenal already have a perfect Martin Odegaard replacement after his injury

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Arsenal icon Alan Smith believes Mikel Arteta won’t have to think hard about his replacement for Martin Odegaard.

Odegaard and Bukayo Saka suffered injuries on matchday two of the Premier League season, with the captain getting let off more lightly. 

Though it’s still unclear whether the 26-year-old will be available for selection to face Liverpool, it’s understood that Odegaard’s injury is not serious. 

Saka, on the other hand, is set to be out for a month with another hamstring injury, giving Arteta something to think about ahead of crafting his starting XI to face Liverpool. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal told they have a player who is ‘truly’ way more important than Martin Odegaard now

Alan Smith says Eberechi Eze could replace Martin Odegaard

Fortunately, Arsenal’s improved squad depth allows for room to rotate, something that will come as a great joy to Arteta. 

Noni Madueke replaced Saka on the right against Leeds United, and will surely do the same on Sunday’s trip to Anfield.

Thanks to Andrea Berta’s speedy work getting a deal for Eberechi Eze over the line, the England international could be on hand to either fill in on the left or, in central midfield. 

Though it’s been mentioned that Ethan Nwaneri could start ahead of Eze centrally at Anfield, Arsenal icon Alan Smith thinks the possibly vacant role is there for the new signing to take. 

“What a great signing first of all,” Smith said of Eze on Sky Sports News [13:22 26/08/2025].

“It will be fascinating to see how Mikel Arteta incorporates him. If Odegaard plays, you think Eze will come in off the left, which he has done for Palace.”

Though Smith fancies Eze to be utilised on the left if Odegaard is available, the former striker admitted that the skipper could be worried about something other than injury.

“Odegaard didn’t have the best season last year, and Eze is the readymade replacement if Odegaard steps out.”

Eze could cause Liverpool real damage

There’s been no real indication about how long Arsenal’s captain could be out for; however, Odegaard was called up for international duty. 

Stale Solbakken has been coy on Odegaard’s injury, failing to give an update on his player other than confirming that he’s in pain. 

It would be a shame for the 26-year-old to miss out on the trip to Anfield, but Arteta might actually have more joy by starting Eze.

When looking at the two players’ statistics from last season, it’s clear as day to see what Eze offers to a midfield that Odegaard doesn’t.

The ability to run with the ball and the desire to unleash shots frequently are exactly what could break Liverpool down, as has been seen through the Reds’ opening two games of the season.

Some pace, power and direction in attacking midfield could really derail Liverpool’s plans to keep Arsenal at bay, with defensive frailties noticed early into the campaign.