Arsenal will travel to take on Tottenham Hotspur in a North London derby clash on Sunday.
This is a fixture that always brings with it pressure and expectation, but Mikel Arteta also has something of an Arsenal injury crisis to contend with.
Martin Odegaard is the latest Arsenal player to have been afflicted. The Norwegian playmaker picked up an ankle injury whilst on international duty.
Arsenal have asked about Odegaard’s condition, and will thoroughly assess him upon his return to North London, but as things stand the club captain is unlikely to play any part against Spurs.
Riccardo Calafiori also picked up a knock whilst representing Italy, whilst fellow summer signing Mikel Merino remains sidelined with injury. Gabriel Jesus is also working his way back to full fitness, and may not be ready in time for derby day.
On top of that, Declan Rice is suspended for this fixture following his red card against Brighton.
As such, Arteta now has a number of selection dilemmas to address when naming his starting XI for this match. Fortunately, Arsenal Insider are here to help the Spanish coach.
David Raya
David Raya has impressed Arsenal fans so far this season, and his leadership and authoritative presence between the sticks will be required.
Ben White
With Ben White still not representing England, the right-back has enjoyed a rest during the international break and should be raring to go.
William Saliba
A nailed-on starter in the heart of Arteta’s defence.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Along with William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes will feature at the back.
Jurrien Timber
With Calafiori out, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior could be considered at left-back, but Jurrien Timber is likely to keep his place in this part of the pitch. Timber is the right choice, and can be relied upon to invert into midfield, where the Gunners will need all the support they can get.
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey has been a regular at the base of the midfield so far this season, and Arteta has little choice but to stick with the Ghanaian.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has the technical and creative ability to replace Odegaard in a more central role, but should still be given the freedom to drift out wide to the right.
Jorginho
In a more advanced role than he is used to, there is a danger that Jorginho could be bypassed by the pace of the game. However, if Arsenal can get the Italian on the ball then he has the capacity to create chances and give Arteta’s side a measure of control in opposition territory.
Raheem Sterling
Coming in for his Arsenal debut, Raheem Sterling can take up Saka’s right-wing berth. It was to provide this kind of cover that the Gunners signed the 29-year-old, and he is experienced enough to cope with being thrown in on such a big occasion.
Leandro Trossard
Nominally on the left-wing, Leandro Trossard will need to support Jorginho and come infield at times.
Kai Havertz
Whilst Kai Havertz could drop back into midfield, he has flourished up front in recent weeks, and Arteta will likely be determined to keep the German at the top of the pitch.
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