Former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas offers surprise suggestion for Martin Odegaard’s replacement against Tottenham

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta finds himself in a difficult situation heading into the north London derby and Cesc Fabregas has offered up a potential solution.

The Gunners already knew they would be without the suspended Declan Rice for Sunday’s Premier League clash with their biggest rivals when Martin Odegaard turned his ankle while on international duty for Norway on Monday night.

It looks highly unlikely that the Arsenal captain will feature on Sunday and now the question is who will take his place.

Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira were allowed to leave in the summer, meaning 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is the only natural No 10 replacement in the squad.

However, former Arsenal midfielder Fabregas provided another suggestion. 

Speaking on the Planet Premier League podcast, he said: ‘I have no doubts that if Mikel puts him [Nwaneri] in the starting XI or even during the game it’s because he has seen that he’s good enough to make an impact.

‘Obviously the consequences of Rice and Odegaard being out helps and makes it a little bit faster than he would have liked but definitely it means that he is on his mind. If he’s part of the squad it’s because he really believes that he can bring something to the table.

‘I also would like to see Trossard in midfield. I know he likes to come from the wing but he has the capabilities and qualities to play that role of Odegaard. A little more offensive midfielder, No.8, No.10.

‘I think he’s got the qualities to do that. Probably [Thomas] Partey and Jorginho will be the other two midfielders if I am not mistaken. But overall, it’s great to see young players making it into the Premier League.’ 

Fabregas also believes the game is a much more important one for the visitors than the hosts. 

‘I do believe for Arsenal it’s a much bigger game because they have to find this continuity after drawing the last game against Brighton,’ he explained.

‘For the confidence after the international break as well, I think it’s important. Big season for Arsenal, big month for Arsenal and I think it’s a much bigger game for them.’