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Theo Walcott has warned Mikel Arteta that Ethan Nwaneri may not be ‘ready’ to start in midfield should Martin Odegaard be ruled out of Arsenal’s north London derby clash with Spurs.

Arsenal are eager to return to winning ways after dropping points last time out against Brighton but Arteta could be without a number of his key players at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Declan Rice misses the contest following his controversial sending off versus the Seagulls and injury concerns have been stacking up for the Gunners, with Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and captain Odegaard all nursing problems.

While academy product Nwaneri has made just two substitute appearances in two seasons for Arsenal, there have been some calls for the 17-year-old to be given the nod in the middle of the park.

Arteta has spoken highly of Nwaneri on several occasions and Arsenal’s hierarchy believe the teenager could develop into a first-team star over the coming years.

However, former Arsenal and England forward Walcott has major reservations about throwing the England Under-19 international into such a high-pressure game at such an early stage of his career.

‘Odegaard is the conductor in the team and you would have to ask a lot for him [Nwaneri] to keep this team ticking,’ Walcott told The Arsenal Way.

‘I would probably expect [Kai] Havertz to drop back into that role and Gabriel Jesus to start up front, that’s probably what I would see.

‘I wouldn’t expect Nwaneri to start in that position. I think he’s one of those that likes to come inside, that’s fine, but to start in a derby when you’ve got a lot of players out… I’m not quite sure yet if he’s ready for that.

‘But of course he can make an impact because when I came through, I was used as a bit of an impact player at first just to find my feet and it worked.’

Walcott hopes Arsenal fans ‘take a step back’ and allow Nwaneri to develop at his own pace.

‘When you have that as a player, eventually, yes, you do need to take the next step when the manager gives you an opportunity and actually go for it, but I just don’t think this is the right timing right now,’ Walcott continued.

‘But he had a great pre-season, great kid, good athlete, but it’s one of those where we just need to take a step back, which we won’t because I know that from being on the other side of it, and just let this guy develop.

‘He’s got a good thing going for him: he’s got a young manager, loads of new ideas that you can relate to the modern player and that’s going to do him well.’

Given Arsenal’s injury concerns, Walcott feels Sunday’s match could be Arteta’s ‘biggest test’ yet since taking over the reins as manager.

‘This is the journey and this is a test that Mikel hasn’t really faced as an Arsenal manager, having a lot of players out, particularly at the same time,’ he went on.

‘He has had players out, of course, but players you would say haven’t been starters, I suppose. Maybe [Thomas] Partey was the exception.

‘But this will be the biggest test for Mikel as a manager, to see if his squad is good enough to win this league because that’s the difference with Manchester City, their bench is good enough to win the league.

‘This is where Mikel is going to be tested, this is where those players that have waited for their opportunity to be that player, they want to be that player and want to be in the starting line-up.

‘There’s an expectation for every player that plays at Arsenal, I get that, but I just feel, now, that this is the biggest test and it’s nice to have it right at the start of the season.’

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Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged by the Football Association after controversial comments he made about Spurs captain Son Heung-min.

In an interview with Uruguayan Television programme Por La Camiseta in June, Bentancur suggested that all people from South Korea ‘looked the same’.

The 26-year-old swiftly apologised for the comments but now faces the prospect of a ban after the FA brought charges against the Uruguyan.

A statement from the FA read: ‘Rodrigo Bentancur has been charged with an alleged breach of FA Rule E3 for misconduct in relation to a media interview.

‘It’s alleged that the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has breached FA Rule E3.1 as he acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or brought the game into disrepute.

‘It’s further alleged that this constitutes an “aggravated breach” which is defined in FA Rule E3.2, as it included a reference, whether express or implied, to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.

‘Rodrigo Bentancur has until Thursday 19 September 2024 to provide a response to this charge.’

Bentancur comments sparked public outrage at the time when he was asked by Uruguayan journalist Rafa Cotelo for a Spurs shirt to which he replied: ‘Sonny’s?, adding: ‘It could be Sonny’s cousin too as they all look the same.’

After the clip went viral, he later apologised for the remarks and claimed it was simply a ‘very bad joke’, with Spurs captain Son accepting his apology.

‘I’ve spoken with Lolo. He made a mistake, he knows this and has apologised,’ the South Korean said.

‘Lolo would not mean to ever intentionally say something offensive. We are brothers and nothing has changed at all.

‘We’re past this, we’re united, and we will be back together in pre-season to fight for our club as one.’

Bentancur started Tottenham’s first game of the season against Leicester but was stretchered off after being knocked unconscious in the second half.

The midfielder made his return off the bench against Newcastle prior to the international break and could return to Ange Postecoglou’s starting lineup for Sunday’s clash with Arsenal.

Tottenham have until next Thursday to appeal the charge, with Bentancur facing the prospect of a lengthy ban if found guilty.

In 2011, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was slapped with an eight-game ban for racist comments aimed at Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra.

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Cesc Fabregas believes Leandro Trossard should start in midfield for Arsenal against Tottenham as he has the ‘capabilities and qualities’ to fill in if Martin Odegaard is ruled out of the clash.

Mikel Arteta has been dealt a number of selection issues ahead of the north London derby, with Declan Rice suspended and Odegaard, Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu all nursing injuries.

Club captain Odegaard went to ground with a nasty-looking ankle problem during Norway’s Nations League win over Austria on Monday night and had to helped off the field by medical staff at Oslo’s Ullevaal Stadion.

The 25-year-old was later pictured on crutches as he boarded a flight back from the Norwegian capital to London, just days out from the Gunners’ all-important trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

According to Norway’s team doctor, Odegaard has avoided a serious fracture but is likely to be out of action for around three weeks.

Teenage academy product Ethan Nwaneri has been tipped as a potential solution for Arteta in the middle of the park should Odegaard be set for a spell on the sidelines.

And while Fabregas is confident the 17-year-old could ‘make an impact’, he feels Trossard may be the best option for Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Premier League contest.

On Nwaneri, Fabregas told the Planet Premier League podcast: ‘I have no doubts that if Mikel puts him 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.’

According to Fabregas, this weekend’s grudge match is a ‘much bigger game’ for Arsenal given the club’s aspirations for the top-flight season.

‘It’s still early but I think it’s a bigger game for Arsenal,’ the legendary former Arsenal and Spain midfielder added.

‘Arsenal need to go toe to toe with Manchester City to win the league this year. It’s their third year straight trying to win it in a confident way, where they believe it can be done.

‘With all due respect and I’m being serious, if Tottenham finish fifth or sixth, I know they will always try to aim a bit higher, but it won’t be seen as such a failure as if Arsenal doesn’t manage to win the league this season because they have been very, very close the last couple of years.’

The ex-Arsenal captain added: ‘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.

‘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.’

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Tottenham are sweating over the fitness of Yves Bissouma after he was injured on international duty ahead of Sunday’s huge clash against Arsenal.

Several big names have already been ruled out of the first North London Derby of the season, with the Gunners facing a midfield injury crisis.

Captain Martin Odegaard and new signing Mikel Merino have been sidelined for several weeks while Declan Rice is suspended thanks to his controversial red card against Brighton.

As for Spurs, out of favour forward Richarlison is the only player who will definitely miss the derby, while Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke are in a race to be fit in time.

But Ange Postecoglou has now been dealt a fresh injury worry in the form of key defensive midfielder Bissouma.

The 28-year-old scored the winner for Mali in their World Cup qualifier against Eswatini on Tuesday but was forced off the pitch in the 65th minute after being on the receiving end of a nasty challenge.

Multiple reports say he suffered a knock and is now a doubt for the big Premier League clash.

Bissouma missed the opening game of the season against Leicester after being suspended by Spurs for uploading a video of himself on social media which showed him inhaling laughing gas.

But he remains a key player for Postecoglou, immediately returning to the staring XI for Spurs’ next game in which he scored the opener in a 4-0 win over Everton.

‘I want to apologise for these videos. This was a severe lack of judgement,’ Bissouma said regarding the laughing gas incident.

‘I understand how serious this is and the health risks involved, and I also take my responsibility as a footballer and role model very seriously.’

With one win, one draw and one loss so far, Tottenham are 10th in the table but a win will move them level on points with Arsenal who sit fourth.

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Teddy Sheringham is worried that £65m striker Dominic Solanke is not the ‘final piece’ in the Tottenham jigsaw ahead of the showdown against Arsenal.

Spurs spent big money to sign Solanke from AFC Bournemouth this summer, but the Englishman has only played in one fixture so far after suffering an ankle injury.

He featured for 90 minutes in their opening Premier League match of the season – a 1-1 draw at promoted side Leicester City – and then missed the next two games.

It’s currently unclear if Solanke will be fit to face Arsenal, although given he was close to being involved against Newcastle, it is thought he may return on Sunday.

That’s when Tottenham host Arsenal in the latest north London derby, but former Spurs striker Sheringham is worried Solanke might not be the right man after all.

‘I like Dominic Solanke [but] I don’t know whether he’s the final piece,’ Sheringham told Ladbrokes.

‘Being that number nine in and around the six-yard box who is going to tap in loads this season… Only time will tell on that front.

‘But I like the fact that they’ve gone out and bought a big centre-forward to come in and score goals; they’ve obviously identified that that’s where the problem was.

‘It’s just a shame that he’s missed out on the last two games. He missed a couple of chances against Leicester.

‘And I’m sure he’d have been on the end of one or two against Everton, and then you’re off and running and your confidence is high.

‘At the moment, he hasn’t scored for the club, and the team have lost a couple of points already, which means there’s already pressure on him to come in and start scoring.

‘I really hope he gets off and running quickly, because that relaxes you, your teammates, and your fans.

‘I’m glad they’ve filled that position, though, and I’m really optimistic for Solanke.’

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has aimed a dig at Arsenal star Ben White ahead of the north London derby, saying he doesn’t ‘respect’ him.

The Gunners travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend, as they attempt to get back to winning ways following the the international break.

White enjoyed a rest during the top-flight break, because he doesn’t wish to be considered for selection by England, despite his ability to play at the top level.

That stance has seen White receive plenty of criticism – and ahead of Sunday’s match between Spurs and Arsenal – O’Hara has decided to publicly slam White.

‘He doesn’t want to play for England,’ O’Hara said on talkSPORT. ‘You don’t want to represent your nation, then fine. No problem.

‘But don’t expect any respect from anyone. He doesn’t want to play for his country. I respect it (his decision not to play for England). I don’t respect him.

‘He is entitled to do what he wants, but I don’t respect him. How can you now want to play for your country?

‘It’s the highest pinnacle of your career. If you love the game and you love football, everything about it is… ‘Can I play for England?’

‘It has been in the past (his ambition to play for England). As a footballer, that is part and parcel of your career, being away from your family, as Lee Carsley said, he hardly sees his family, but he understands the glory and satisfaction you get from walking out with your country.

‘He plays for Arsenal. Everyone else is on international duty. He is going into an empty training camp or he goes away and has four days with your family.

‘You can do that for 20 years after you retire. I don’t respect that he doesn’t want to represent his nation. He is a top football player – it is a big story and a big talking point.’

White was on holiday in Dubai playing Uno on the beach with his wife earlier this year on the same day that England lost 1-0 to Brazil in a friendly.

‘What are you doing?’ football pundit Jeff Stelling said at the time. ‘What are you doing posting the fact that you are in Dubai playing cards? You decided not to play for England, that’s fine. Your prerogative, just let the boys get on with it.’

Jorginho is excited to be linking up with Raheem Sterling again at Arsenal, backing the forward to ‘add a lot to the team’ with his ‘qualities’ and winning mentality.

Sterling completed a season-long loan move to Arsenal on transfer deadline day after being told he was not a part of Enzo Maresca’s plans for the season ahead at Chelsea.

The 29-year-old England international has fallen some way short of expectations across two stop-start seasons at Stamford Bridge and will no doubt be relishing the opportunity to start afresh in north London.

Mikel Arteta could be tempted to throw Sterling in at the deep end as Arsenal prepare to do battle with bitter rivals Spurs, eager to get back on track following a disappointing draw at home to Brighton.

Declan Rice is missing through suspension and Arsenal could also be without club captain Martin Odegaard at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which could see Kai Havertz drop back into midfield.

This would free up a space in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI in attack and Jorginho is confident Sterling – a player he briefly played with at Chelsea – would come in and prove himself if called upon.

On Arsenal’s loan deal for Sterling, Jorginho told the Seaman Says podcast: ‘You know the club, especially Mikel and Edu, you know who they are bringing is just right so something good is going to happen for sure.

‘When you see there is a player that you know, you played together and you know the qualities already, you know how they can help more.

‘You feel like, “Okay, I know how to give him the ball already”, so you are already ahead.

‘You don’t need to get to know him. It’s different.’

Asked whether he spoke with Sterling before the deal, Jorginho replied: ‘No.

‘I’m honestly not there looking at the news and stuff like that because it’s mad. There is even too much information and sometimes it’s not even true!

‘It was the day of the [Brighton] game so I woke up and I was like, “What?!”, and then we found out that he was coming.’

Despite Sterling’s underwhelming Chelsea spell, Jorginho is confident the winger can bring a new dimension to the Arsenal side.

‘He’s going to be great for us with his qualities, he’s won a lot already and he can add a lot to the team,’ the Italy midfielder added.

‘I think it was a good signing and as I said, I think he’s going to add a lot to the team, honestly.’

Jorginho hopes the ‘passion’ and ‘intensity’ that comes with the north London derby helps drive Arsenal to victory over their arch-rivals on Sunday.

‘It’s a special game for both sides and it’s probably going to be a really good game,’ he continued.

‘The rivalry is a good thing because it’s part of the game. Until you don’t cross the limit, it’s so good and that’s what makes this sport special: the emotion, the passion from both sides which make the game really intense and the atmosphere in the stadium.

‘We dream of these kind of games when we are kids so when it gets to these kind of moments we just want to play those games and win.’

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Arsenal fans have been left furious after Jarred Gillett was named as the referee for Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham.

Gillett, 37, was the referee for the Gunners’ opening Premier League game of the season as they defeated Wolves 2-0 at the Emirates last month.

The Australian official angered Arsenal supporters in that match when he didn’t send off Wolves star Yerson Mosquera after he grabbed Kai Havertz by the throat.

Last season, Gillett disallowed a last-minute Havertz goal against Aston Villa, which has also been referenced by Arsenal fans on social media before the derby.

‘How is it that there are 21 Premier League referees yet after 4 games this season we would have already had Jarred bloody Gillett twice,’ @afc_richard posted on X.

‘Just to add insult to our injuries, the useless Jarred Gillett is Sunday’s ref,’ @willow1886 added. ‘They really do hate us.’

Analysing the decision to not send off Mosquera in Arsenal’s win over Wolves, @clockendsniper said: ‘Jarred Gillett didn’t even think this was worthy of a yellow card let alone red. Despite his history with us will now be in charge in 2 of our first 4 games.’

Arsenal supporter @marky249 suggested that the assistant referees and VAR would be made up of Spurs legends and famous fans after Gillett’s appointment.

‘Tottenham – #Arsenal on Sunday: Referee: Jarred Gillett,’ he posted. ‘Assistants: Glenn Hoddle, Jamie O’Hara. Fourth official: Ledley King. VAR: Lord Alan Sugar.’

Another Arsenal fan pointed out that Gillett is the same nationality as Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou.

‘Jarred Gillett… Australian football referee,’ @highburyhigh posted. ‘Will ref for Ange NLD derby on Sunday, can they not actually find referees that are signed to the actual clubs we play?

‘Surely just being from that area doesn’t count anymore why doesn’t he just come out in a Spurs shirt? Fix.’

Gunners supporter @toneharper10 said: ‘A reminder that Jarred Gillett gave a controversial penalty to Brisbane Roar in a Grand Final at a time his girlfriend worked for the club, which was then coached by…. Ange Postecoglou.’

Arsenal will be wearing their changed black strip in the north London derby this weekend after a ruling from PGMOL and the Premier League.

GIven that the Gunners play in red and Tottenham in white shirts, the two teams usually wear their home kits when they face each other in the local derby.

However, this season Arsenal’s red home kit has too much white on it, according to Professional Game Match Officials Limited and the Premier League, which means they will have to way their changed strip on Sunday at Spurs.

When Spurs go to the Emirates in January they will wear their away strip as well, thanks to the ruling from the powers-that-be.

Arsenal have already played and won in their black kit this season, picking up a 2-0 victory at Aston Villa in August.

On the release of the attractive kit, with red, green and white trim, the club said: ‘It has been designed to celebrate the rich and well-established connection that our club has to the African diaspora in North London and beyond.

‘Designed in collaboration with adidas and distinguished British African heritage brand, Labrum London, it celebrates our players and supporters of African heritage, who are an instrumental part of our club.’

Arsenal go to Tottenham with seven points from their first three games, drawing with Brighton on their last outing.

Spurs have picked up four points so far after defeat to Newcastle last time out.

Mikel Arteta’s side have had the better of the recent fixtures against their fierce rivals, with five wins and a draw in their last seven meetings.

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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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