Mikel Arteta has dropped a significant hint regarding Martin Odegaard's potential role in the upcoming North London derby, even if the Arsenal captain is ruled out due to injury. Arsenal are set to face rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, but Odegaard's fitness remains a major question mark just hours before the crucial Premier League clash.
Odegaard's Injury Struggles and Arteta's Concerns
Martin Odegaard has missed a substantial portion of the current campaign with various injury issues, including being sidelined for Arsenal's recent 2-2 draw against struggling Wolves. Speaking ahead of the derby, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta expressed frustration over his captain's frequent absences.
"We're missing him for the biggest part of the season," Arteta said. "You see the percentage of times that he's been available or not with us is far from ideal. But again, he's been part of that journey in this year to deal with a lot of injuries and a lot of important players out, like we have right now. And the team has done extremely well to maintain the level. Injuries are probably the worst part of our profession."
Potential Sideline Influence for Odegaard
When asked if Odegaard could still deliver a pre-match team talk if restricted to the sidelines, Arteta indicated that such decisions are player-driven. "Depends. That normally comes from them. If somebody wants to say something or they have discussed with the leadership group what they really think that is going to make the difference on the day, they have absolute freedom to do that. So if he wants to do that, more than welcome. When it comes from them, much more powerful."
This suggests that Odegaard's leadership could extend beyond the pitch, potentially motivating the team even if he is not physically playing.
Fitness Updates on Odegaard and Havertz
Arteta also provided updates on the fitness of Kai Havertz, who faces a late test ahead of the match. In his pre-match press conference, Arteta stated, "Well, we have to wait until tomorrow but there is a big possibility that they are available for the game." This leaves both players as potential late inclusions, adding uncertainty to Arsenal's lineup.
High Stakes for Both Teams
The North London derby carries immense significance for both Arsenal and Tottenham. Arsenal urgently need a victory to reignite their Premier League title push, as their lead over Manchester City has dwindled to just two points after City's 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday evening.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are in desperate need of points to salvage a miserable season. Under new manager Igor Tudor, who is set for his first game in charge, Spurs sit only four points above the relegation zone, highlighting the pressure they face.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal encounter, Arteta's comments underscore the emotional and strategic weight of Odegaard's presence, whether on the field or from the sidelines, in a match that could define their respective campaigns.
