Mikel Arteta has a few selection headaches ahead of Arsenal’s North London Derby clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
Martin Odegaard is set to return to the squad for the game on Sunday, which is not just a big boost for the Gunners but also a major surprise.
That’s because Norway manager Stale Solbakken claimed during the international break just over a week ago that Odegaard is still ‘some distance away’ from full fitness (Mirror).
The Arsenal captain’s return is great news, but one player may have to make way for him – Eberechi Eze.
Eberechi Eze could be dropped as Martin Odegaard returns for Arsenal vs Tottenham
Eze has been Arsenal’s number 10 in most games since Martin Odegaard’s injury.
The England international, who joined the Gunners from Crystal Palace in the summer, has done a decent job in attacking midfield, but he hasn’t set the stage on fire.
Since Odegaard’s injury against West Ham, Eze has scored one goal and provided one assist in seven games in all competitions.
That is not a great return, which is why we expect the Arsenal captain to come straight back into the starting lineup if he is declared fit.
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As for Eze, he will either have to drop down to the bench or move to the left. If the latter happens, Leandro Trossard will have to lose his place in the side.
However, the Belgian has been in fine form this season, directly contributing to eight goals in all competitions so far. Trossard even scored a stunning goal against Sunderland just before the international break.
For those reasons, we think Eze will be the one to be dropped if Odegaard returns.
Which Arsenal player should be dropped if Martin Odegaard returns vs Tottenham?
Eberechi Eze will have a major role to play vs Tottenham even if he’s dropped
Many people, including Gary Neville, are predicting a close game between Arsenal and Tottenham on Sunday.
If that is indeed the case, both Mikel Arteta and Thomas Frank will need their bench to deliver, and that’s where Eze’s brilliance will come in handy.
The Englishman’s ability to drive past players would be more effective against tired legs in the second half. He could change the game if he comes on as a substitute.
Trossard has done a great job as a substitute as well in the past, but based on current form, we think it should be Eze coming off the bench and the Belgian starting the game.