Martin Odegaard injury sparks Mikel Arteta transfer regret with two stars missing the North London Derby

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Arsenal’s midfield problems may have turned from bad to worse over the international break, following an update on Martin Odegaard.

The Gunners head into the North London Derby at the weekend without summer signing Mikel Merino due to injury – with the midfielder suffering a shoulder problem.

Declan Rice’s red card against Brighton means he will also be ruled out from facing off against Tottenham through suspension.

Then there’s the latest on a Martin Odegaard injury which will concern Mikel Arteta, as the Arsenal captain appeared to suffer an ankle problem.

It means the Gunners face a potentially depleted squad travelling to their nearest rivals in a huge Premier League clash.

For Arsenal and Arteta in particular, the latest injury may only add to a growing regret over two transfer exits.

• READ MORE: Norway national team’s doctor issues update on Arsenal star Martin Odegaard’s ankle injury

Arsenal may regret sealing Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira transfer exits

With Odegaard potentially sidelined, there may be some transfer regret over sealing transfer exits for Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira over the summer window.

The duo were the most likely replacement for Odegaard in the number ten role, with very few options left in the squad to fill that position.

Smith Rowe’s move to Fulham was impacted by the lack of minutes in recent seasons, with the Hale End academy star looking to pick himself back up again.

While the move appeared to be in the best interest of all parties involved, that was before an exit was sealed for Vieira.

The Portuguese playmaker re-joined FC Porto on a season-long loan late in the transfer window in the hope of recapturing his best form.

While that move seemed wise in some parts, there was always going to be a problem if Odegaard picked up an injury.

With that possibility becoming a reality, it leaves some transfer regret at the door of the Arsenal boss, who may have to tinker with his team for the big derby clash.

• READ MORE: Tottenham fans all say the same thing after Arsenal star Martin Odegaard gets injured, it’s surprising

Martin Odegaard injury replacements

Arteta is now left with the possible dilemma of replacing Odegaard in the team, should he miss an extended period of time through injury.

With few natural replacements, the Arsenal boss may turn towards the more creative players in his squad to fill that role.

One of Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz could be required to drop into that position, given their forward-thinking prowess.

A space for Raheem Sterling to make an impact on the squad could be available, whether he plays as in that ten role or is moved around the accommodate it.

Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli are another duo who may see an opportunity to make their mark on the team.

In all, it leaves question marks over what Arsenal will do for the North London Derby, but that could work in their favour by springing a surprise on Tottenham.