Mikel Arteta could be forced to do something that would be embarrassing for Martin Odegaard soon

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Martin Odegaard is one of Arsenal’s most important players.

The Norway international is the captain of the club and one of the first names on the team sheet. He is the main source of creativity in the side and is just a fabulous player on his day.

But, Odegaard has had a difficult campaign. He missed around two months due to an injury in the first half of the season and has been sick too.

The 25-year-old’s form hasn’t been at his usual level either, and that could force Mikel Arteta to do one thing in the very near future.

Mikel Arteta could be forced to drop Martin Odegaard for one reason

The thought of dropping Odegaard at Arsenal was unimaginable at any point over the last two seasons.

An argument can even be made that the Norwegian cannot miss a game now either because Arsenal’s creativity becomes almost non-existent without him, especially as Bukayo Saka is out injured as well.

However, things could change very soon.

Saka is expected back in action by the end of February, and once that happens, he will take over his usual right-wing spot.

Ethan Nwaneri will have to make way then, but if Odegaard doesn’t improve his output by that point, it would be unfair on the teenager to be the one to be dropped.

We think Arteta could make the bold decision of leaving Odegaard out of the side and playing Nwaneri in the number 10 role, right next to Saka on the right wing.

Losing your place to a 17-year-old when you’re the captain of the club would be a bit embarrassing, but if that’s the best thing to do for Arsenal, it has to be done.

READ MORE: Ethan Nwaneri says he’s trying to copy one player at Arsenal who is so unpredictable

Odegaard’s output compared to Ethan Nwaneri’s at Arsenal in 2024/25

Nwaneri is the future of Arsenal, there’s no debate there.

The 17-year-old has been magnificent almost every time he has played this season. His numbers have been excellent too – even though he hasn’t started too many games.

Nwaneri offers a much bigger goal threat than Odegaard does, and the teenager is a lot more unpredictable too.

To add to that, the 17-year-old can drift wide when Saka comes inside and have a much bigger impact on the flank than Odegaard does.

It would be a big statement to drop the captain, but if his form doesn’t improve and Nwaneri continues to shine, we think there will only be one option once Saka returns.