It’s so clear which Arsenal star Mikel Arteta must pick to replace Martin Odegaard against Athletic Club

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing another team selection concern heading into his side’s upcoming Champions League clash with Athletic Club.

The Gunners are fresh from beating Nottingham Forest in fine style, as a Martin Zubimendi brace and a Viktor Gyokeres finish proved to be the difference.

There were plenty of positives for Mikel Arteta to take from it; however, there was one main concern for Arsenal.

Martin Odegaard’s shoulder injury has flared up again, as he had to come off early in the victory at the Emirates Stadium.

With questions over his fitness again, there is one obvious replacement available to face Athletic Club.

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Ethan Nwaneri is the obvious replacement for Martin Odegaard in Arsenal’s clash with Athletic Club

With Odegaard’s injury now raising doubts over his fitness, there are questions surrounding whether he will be able to make the quick turnaround from the Premier League to the Champions League.

The European league phase kicks off with Arsenal taking on Athletic Club in a tough match that will set the scene for the rest of the competition.

While there are a few options, it’s clear that Arteta must turn to Ethan Nwaneri as the starting option to replace Odegaard.

The 18-year-old was called in during the game, replacing his captain, and shining in the process.

While others may have got the goals, the Hale End academy star showed his composure on the ball, pulling the strings in an attacking sense.

With 47 touches during his 70 minutes of action, Nwaneri was accurate in his passing and even created one key pass.

There may be some disappointment in that his three shots didn’t lead to anything, with two of them going off target and one of them being blocked.

However, it’s a promising start to a more comfortable role in the midfield.

Nwaneri really impressed in Europe last season, as games seemingly opened up for him to get involved in scoring and creating.

Perhaps the Champions League meeting with Athletic Club offers something similar to the youngster this time around, as he looks to truly kickstart his campaign.

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Other potential replacements for Martin Odegaard at Arsenal

While Nwaneri seems to be the most likely to take up that number ten role, there are other options at Arsenal who could feature.

Eberechi Eze could shift into that position, potentially pushing Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard to the left wing.

A first start could be handed to Max Dowman, who has made two appearances from the bench so far in the Premier League.

Beyond them, it could be a shuffle in the midfield, similar to the defeat to Liverpool, with Declan Rice making a return to play alongside Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi.

It remains to be seen who Arteta will opt for, but it’s clearly a chance for Nwaneri to make his mark.