Arsenal have some huge selection dilemmas ahead of Sunday's North London Derby.placeholder image
Arsenal have some huge selection dilemmas ahead of Sunday's North London Derby. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal’s predicted starting XI against Tottenham Hotspur, amidst a series of injury concerns for Mikel Arteta
Arsenal approach one of the most important games of their season this weekend and while the league leaders would often be excited to face a Tottenham Hotspur side who finished 17th in the league last season, circumstances have become far more complicated for Mikel Arteta’s side in recent days.
The Gunners might be without some of their most important players for the North London Derby – nothing they have not been able to manage so far this campaign, except for when you consider that man mountain Gabriel, arguably their most irreplaceable outfield player alongside Declan Rice, is expected to be out.
Arteta, therefore, has a significant selection dilemma ahead of the fixture this Sunday (16:30 GMT), when Spurs will visit the Emirates. Arsenal will remain favourites, considering their imperious home form so far this term and their recent record against the Lilywhites, but there is now a little hint of jeopardy in the air.
Arsenal predicted defence amidst several injury concerns
While the positions of David Raya and William Saliba pick themselves for the Gunners, the rest of Arteta’s defensive unit is currently in doubt.
Riccardo Calafiori picked up a knock which led to the Italian withdrawing from international duty, whilst opposite full-back Jurrien Timber also picked up a potential issue while away with the Netherlands. Both are expected to be fit for the weekend, but it is not a foregone conclusion with the likes of Ben White and Myles Lewis-Skelly waiting in the wings just in case.
The greatest concern, of course, then surrounds Gabriel. The 27-year-old picked up a worrying thigh injury which led to him being withdrawn for Brazil, in no less than a friendly taking place at the Emirates. While a timeline on the defender’s return has not yet been set, he is fairly certain to be out for the derby if reports of several weeks on the sidelines are to be believed. Cristhian Mosquera has proven himself a worthy understudy so far this season, while Piero Hincapie will also hope to step into Gabriel’s influential shoes.
Arsenal predicted starting XI for North London Derby
Asked about his injury, Odegaard told TV2: “It’s moving forward. The match today came a little too early… But it’s starting to look better, so hopefully I’ll be back soon.”
Whether Odegaard is fit enough to start against Spurs remains to be seen – even so, it would be slightly harsh to instantly displace Eberechi Eze from the XI, as the England international has played well in the attacking midfield position in his absence.
In attack, Viktor Gyokeres has also been out injured since just before the internationals. Arteta has not yet confirmed whether the Swede will be fit for the North London Derby, meaning it will be a nervous wait for Gunners fans ahead of Sunday. Should Gyokeres not be fit to start, Mikel Merino could step in.
All of Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli will also hope to return to the squad for the fixture, but may have to settle for a place on a star-studded substitutes’ bench.
Arsenal predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Mosquera, Saliba, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Eze, Trossard; Merino.
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