As the games go by, it’s becoming more and more clear just how much Arsenal are missing their captain Martin Odegaard, who is still sidelined with an ankle injury.
Leandro Trossard struggled against Shakhtar Donetsk, and not just because he missed his penalty which could have put Arsenal two goals ahead at the Emirates Stadium.
More often than not it has been Trossard in the role just behind Kai Havertz since Odegaard was injured for Norway.
The Belgian has done well at times but he can’t really match his captain in any area, who is a superior presser, more creative and perhaps even a better goalscorer these days.
Arsenal fans will be itching to get their captain back, who is getting closer to a return.
Mikel Arteta was clear that Odegaard wouldn’t be fit for Shakhtar Donetsk, but the Norwegian is yet to categorically ruled out for Liverpool’s visit.
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty ImagesMartin Odegaard still a doubt for Norway’s November internationals
Liverpool arrive in north London four points ahead of their hosts, and Arteta will be determined to close the gap on their title-rivals.
Many talk about a two-horse race between Arsenal and Manchester City, but it now appears foolish to rule Liverpool out.
READ MORE: Arteta gives worrying response when asked if Saka will play vs Liverpool
That being said, it does unfortunately seem as if the Gunners will once again have to make do without Odegaard on Sunday, at least that’s what Norway’s media are suggesting.
When asked if Odegaard would be ready to face Liverpool, journalist Eirik Nesset Hjelvik, who works for the reputable TV 2 in Norway, said: “I do not think so.”
TV 2 then continued that line in an article about how much Arsenal are missing the midfielder.
And was interesting to read that there was still some uncertainty back home of whether Odegaard would even be fit for Norway’s international games in the middle of November.
Ethan Nwaneri likely to be overlooked again by Mikel Arteta
Of course, with Odegaard available, a lot of Arsenal fans will immediately turn their minds to Ethan Nwaneri.
Supporters wanted to see Nwaneri start against Shakhtar Donetsk but instead the 17-year-old was an unused substitute.
It seems most likely that either Leandro Trossard or Mikel Merino will start against Liverpool in the number 10 role.
Trossard and Merino were both slightly below far vs Shakhtar Donetsk, meaning it’s not necessarily an easy decision for the Arsenal manager.
However, it currently seems most likely that Trossard will get the nod, unless Arteta decides to throw a curveball and start Gabriel Jesus up top with Havertz dropping deeper.
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