Things got a little more worrying when captain Martin Odegaard picked up an ankle injury. The lack of players and a tight schedule are raising questions about whether Arsenal's gamble is too risky with such a thin squad.
Odegaard's injury comes at a time when the Emirates are facing a difficult start to the season. Mikel Arteta is not only without one of his most creative players, but also facing a heavy fixture list with strong opponents such as Tottenham, Man City and Champions League matches. Odegaard's absence, combined with the absence of Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, has left Arsenal without solidity in midfield.
Although Arteta remains optimistic, the squad's deterioration could have a major impact on Arsenal's performance in the coming period. While rivals like Man City have a deep squad, the Gunners have chosen to reduce the number of players to focus on quality. However, this choice seems to be counterproductive.
Mikel Arteta remains confident in his players' ability to cope and their fighting spirit. However, with many key players injured and few quality replacements, the London team will have to rely on young players and experiment with new solutions to deal with the personnel crisis. In particular, the Derby against Tottenham will be a big test of Arteta's ability to adjust and strategize.
“I want the team to have the best energy and enthusiasm for the upcoming match. We have prepared in the best way possible and victory will be the top goal. Despite the absence of personnel, everyone will be surprised by what the team will show” - Mikel Arteta shared before the match against Tottenham.
History has shown that difficult times can be a springboard for Arsenal to overcome and assert their mettle. If Arteta can find a solution during this difficult period, The Gunners will have more confidence to continue competing in the big arenas. On the contrary, the decision to reduce the squad size can become a big gamble that "The Gunners" will pay dearly in the race for the championship.
“The North London Derby is one of the biggest and most emotional games of the season. When we play well and win such games, it is a big boost. We understand the nature of the game and that is why Arsenal will give their best,” said Mikel Arteta.
