Arsenal faces a major dilemma following news that Martin Odegaard would be sidelined until mid-November. The Midfielder suffered a Medical Collateral Ligament injury. He was forced off during the first half of Arsenal’s recent match against West Ham, Softfootball reported.
Odegaard has suffered a frustrating series of injuries this season. His absence is a significant blow for Arsenal as they will miss his creativity and influence in the midfield. A medical update on the player was released on the club’s official X handle. They shared:
With Odegaard sidelined, the pressing question is: Who can step up and fill the creative void he leaves behind? Let’s evaluate the main contenders: Ethan Nwaneri, Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino.
Eberechi Eze
Since moving from Crystal Palace, Eberechi Eze has impressed with his pace, tenacity and willingness to drive forward. He has not shown his finest moves yet this season for Arsenal.
Yet, Eze trails Odegaard in progressive passing and pressing intensity, requiring adaptation time to Mikel Arteta’s system. He is ideal for short term sparks, especially in games demanding flair and unpredictability.
Ethan Nwaneri
Left-footed Ethan Nwaneri could be an intriguing option. The 18-year-old, naturally a central midfielder, broke through as Bukayo Saka’s substitute last season.
Yet, playing time have been hard to come by this season as he has been an unused substitute in four of Arsenal’s nine opening fixtures. Trusting him to replace Odegaard could be a bold, but potentially rewarding, gamble.
Mikel Merino
In Odegaard’s four game missed this season, Mikel Merino replaced him in 3 games, as he partnered with Decclan Rice while Martin Zubimendi anchored defensively. This resulted in a sturdier midfield, but perhaps at the cost of forward momentum. This season, he has successfully made 27 forward passes and has created 2 chances in 6 premier League outings. These numbers highlight his conservative style.
