As the highly anticipated North London Derby approaches, Arsenal fans are anxiously awaiting news on the fitness of their captain, Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian playmaker suffered an ankle injury during international duty, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial clash against Tottenham Hotspur. In light of this, former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has weighed in on who he believes should step into Odegaard’s shoes.
Cesc Fabregas has suggested that Leandro Trossard should be the one to fill the void left by Odegaard. Fabregas believes that Trossard possesses the necessary qualities and capabilities to take on the role of an offensive midfielder, a position typically occupied by Odegaard.
“Trossard has the capabilities and qualities to play that role of Odegaard. He can be a little more offensive, playing as a No. 8 or No. 10,” Fabregas stated. He emphasized that Trossard’s versatility and experience make him a suitable candidate for this high-stakes match.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is facing a selection headache with several key players potentially sidelined. Alongside Odegaard, the Gunners are also dealing with injuries to Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, Riccardo Calafiori, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Additionally, Declan Rice is suspended for the derby, further complicating Arteta’s options.
Leandro Trossard, who joined Arsenal from Brighton, has shown glimpses of brilliance in his appearances so far. While he has often been used as a substitute, Fabregas believes that Trossard’s ability to adapt and perform under pressure makes him an ideal choice for the starting lineup against Tottenham.
Fabregas also mentioned the possibility of young academy product Ethan Nwaneri making an impact, but he leaned towards Trossard for his experience and proven track record.
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