Three ways Arsenal can line up without Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice against Spurs

Arsenal’s preparations for Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham have been further hampered after an international break riddled with injury scares.

The Gunners were already preparing for the crunch fixture without the services of Declan Rice who picked up his first career red card in bizarre fashion against Brighton.

But Mikel Arteta’s side suffered yet another setback in midfield after captain Martin Odegaard had to be helped off the pitch by Norway’s medical staff in the second half of a Nations League match against Austria.

Mikel Merino is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, too, with a shoulder injury, while fellow summer signing Riccardo Calafiori is also doubtful after picking up a knock with Italy.

Such a mountain of injuries leaves Arteta bereft of options, particularly in central midfield, and perhaps forced to experiment in his biggest game of the season so far.

Ahead of Sunday’s fixture, here’s a look at three ways the Spaniard could line up his Arsenal side.

Sterling straight in and Havertz deeper

Arsenal’s new loanee has had the international break to acclimatise to his latest surroundings but Arteta could be forced to throw him in the deep end against Tottenham.

The England international has 11 goal contributions in 21 appearances against Spurs and would likely replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left side who has flattered to deceive so far this campaign.

That would mean dropping Kai Havertz a bit deeper into an advanced midfield role, with the German then expected to help out the midfield pairing of Thomas Partey and Jorginho behind him.

Against a Spurs side that will be happy to commit bodies forward, a pacey attacking quartet – spearheaded by Leandro Trossard – could punish Ange Postecoglou’s side to great effect.

Trust in youth

If Arteta is feeling bold against his north London rivals, perhaps it could be time to take a gamble on youngster Ethan Nwaneri.

The 17-year-old has been an unused substitute for the Gunners’ first three league games but caught the eye in pre-season and could now be trusted with his first competitive start.

The teenager’s dynamism, in particular, could provide a nice counterbalance for the ageing Partey and Jorginho who could prove vulnerable to Spurs’ energetic midfield and gung-ho style.

Experiment with Timber

Oleksandr Zinchenko has usually been the defender trusted in more advanced midfielder positions, but Arteta has already hinted this season that Jurrien Timber could now be the man to take on that responsibility.

‘He can play in various positions. His versatility is one of his biggest strengths,’ he previously said of the Dutchman.

‘He played some quality minutes the other day. Having that capacity to find what the squad is needing in that minute is really valued.’

While Timber has impressed at left-back this campaign, moving the 23-year-old up the pitch could provide a similar energy to Nwaneri but with an added defensive rigidity if the Gunners are keen to stifle Spurs.

Zinchenko could then slot in at left-back if Calafiori has not recovered from his slight ankle issue.

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