Cesc Fabregas urges Mikel Arteta to start £20m Arsenal star in Martin Odegaard’s role vs Tottenham

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has a few problems ahead of the game against Tottenham.

The North London Derby on Sunday will be the Gunners’ biggest test of the season so far, and Arteta has been dealt a few significant blows.

Arsenal could be without seven players against Tottenham. One of them is their skipper Martin Odegaard, who could be out for a month due to an ankle injury.

If that is true, Arteta will have to find an alternative to play in the Norwegian’s position, and there aren’t too many identical options.

Cesc Fabregas has some advice for the Arsenal manager.

Cesc Fabregas wants Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard to start in midfield vs Tottenham

Odegaard potentially missing the North London Derby is a huge blow for Arsenal.

The former Real Madrid man is one of Arteta’s most important players. His quality on the ball, work rate and leadership are among the biggest reasons why the Gunners have done so well in recent years.

Odegaard’s injury looked nasty when he was playing for Norway against Austria on Monday. It is looking very likely that he will be ruled out of the game at Tottenham.

Arteta now has to find an alternative in the number 10 role, and he does have a few options. Ethan Nwaneri can replace Odegaard against Tottenham, while Kai Havertz is more than good enough to play there as well.

Fabregas, however, has a different idea. The Spaniard, who knows a thing or two about being a world-class midfielder, has urged Arteta to use Leandro Trossard in Odegaard’s position against Spurs.

He feels the Belgian has what it takes to deliver in midfield.

Fabregas said on the Planet Premier League podcast: “I would also like to see Trossard, as well, a little bit in midfield.

“I know he likes to come in from the wing but he has the capabilities and the qualities to play that role of Odegaard – a little bit more offensive midfielder – number eight, number 10.

“He has got the qualities to do that.”

READ MORE: The three players who could now replace Martin Odegaard in North London Derby vs Tottenham

Should Arteta start Trossard in the North London Derby?

Odegaard’s injury has come at the worst possible time, and if he is ruled out of the derby, Arsenal will go into the game weaker.

It will be interesting to see who Arteta will go with to replace his captain in attacking midfield, but we agree with Fabregas – Trossard, who joined Arsenal for an initial £20 million, is a great option.

The Belgian is excellent on the ball, can score goals and create chances, and his close control allows him to get out of tight spaces.

To add to that, we feel he can interchange positions with Kai Havertz up top as both players are capable of playing as false-nines.

It is a difficult decision for Arteta, but we think Trossard in Odegaard’s role makes a lot of sense.