Martin Odegaard injury blow is real test for Mikel Arteta - but Arsenal can have no excuses

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Mikel Arteta is facing an early test of the strength and size of his squad. Martin Odegaard ’s injury absence must be seen as a big blow to Arsenal’s title hopes as he is their captain, a terrific player and such a creative force when at his best.

But now Arsenal face a big issue with Odegaard out until at least the November international break because of a knee ligament injury. He stands to miss up to six games for the Gunners. That is a serious blow and one which arguably hit them hard last season when Odegaard was out for an extended period with an ankle injury suffered while on international duty with Norway.

There can be little doubt that Odegaard struggled to recapture his best form last season when he came back from injury and Arsenal fans only saw his brilliance in flashes.

It led to a few questioning whether the captain’s armband was weighing heavy and why he was below his usual standards. You could clearly see from Odegaard’s body language that his own confidence was affected.

And the real shame about Odegaard’s injury-plagued start to this season is that he had enjoyed a brilliant pre-season, was fighting fit, was sharp and raring to go. His teammates noticed a real uplift in his confidence, performances and he looked as if he was back to his best on the back of a strong pre-season.

And then, first, a shoulder injury - first suffered against Leeds and then it recurred against Nottingham Forest - and now a knee injury against West Ham .

Arteta has arguably been guilty in the past of rushing players back too soon after injury but Arsenal now have a squad which means Arsenal do not have to do that any longer. In fairness, Odegaard’s latest injury was just pure bad luck, a knee injury and not because there was any suggestion he had come back too soon.

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But it does leave Arsenal with options over what to do next. The obvious replacements for Odegaard as a No10 are Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri.

Eze was definitely bought because what he can offer both centrally and also from the left. He has a physicality which makes him a big threat and is different to Odegaard in that respect because the Norway midfielder does look much lighter.

Eze has shown flashes of his potential and did well at Newcastle before Odegaard came on and arguably changed the game in Arsenal’s favour. That is his magic touch.

Nwaneri is a really interesting player with a big season ahead. Borussia Dortmund really wanted him last summer, presented a great offer and opportunities. But Arsenal gave him the hard sell, persuaded him to stay but he needs to play.

His minutes and time have been limited and if he does not get opportunities in the next six games or so then he really might be questioning whether he did the right thing to stay.

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He is such a special talent that Arsenal will want to nurture him, develop him and keep him happy. That is the challenge for any manager.

But also Arsenal could change shape. That means Martin Zubimendi as the No6, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino. It is a set-up which Arteta has tried and been criticised for because it is percieved as being negative and playing with the handbrake on.

However, Arsenal now have serious options. That is what last summer was all about. They sit top of the Premier League . The next few weeks will be a big test but now they should have the depth.

A year ago there was a sense of panic when they lost Odegaard to that ankle injury. Injuries was the story of their season. It no longer feels like that. But the strength in depth and potential will only be realised if they are top come the end of the season.

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