Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard limped off as the Gunners took on Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium today — just over a week before they face Liverpool at Anfield.
Mikel Arteta was forced to switch his captain for Ethan Nwaneri in the first half. Odegaard tried to battle on but eventually succumbed to the issue, shortly after Jurrien Timber had headed Arsenal in front.
New signing Eberechi Eze, who scored at Anfield last season for Crystal Palace, was in the stands watching on as Arsenal played. His move from Selhurst Park was confirmed half an hour before kick-off for a fee of around $91 million (£67 million).
Eze would be the obvious replacement in the starting XI should Odegaard fail to make it back in time. He is expected to operate in an attacking midfield position or from the left flank.
"We are so pleased to have completed this deal to bring Eberechi to Arsenal," sporting director Andrea Berta said.
"Eberechi is a creative and explosive talent with huge technical quality — also a big-game player, with his experience at international level with England also underlining his quality and character.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace acknowledges the fans as they chant his name after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 17, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA, Getty Images)
"There has been excellent teamwork across the club to make this transfer happen and we are very confident Eberechi will be an important addition to our squad as we continue to build for success."
"We are absolutely delighted to bring Eberechi to Arsenal," Arteta added. "He is a powerful and exciting player who will give us a new dimension in our attacking game.
"What stands out just as much as his talent and intelligence as a player, is the way he has worked hard throughout his career to get where he is today.
"His journey, his mentality, and his ambition are exactly what we want in our team, and we love how much it means to him and his family to be joining our club. We all look forward to start working with Eberechi soon."
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Fifteen-year-old talent Max Dowman was also among the substitutes for Arsenal, though it would be a major shock if he was to be involved in the game at Liverpool.
Arsenal doubled its lead against Leeds through Bukayo Saka just before half-time. But losing Odegaard, one of its key attacking threats, will be a major blow if he is out for any period of time.
Liverpool vs Arsenal at Anfield could be a decisive fixture in the Premier League title race. The Reds will be missing Jeremie Frimpong after he went off last week against Bournemouth but might have Joe Gomez or Conor Bradley back up to speed to fill in.