Three ways Arsenal could cope without Martin Odegaard

Arsenal face a significant tactical challenge after captain Martin Odegaard suffered knee ligament damage in Saturday’s 2-0 win over West Ham. The midfielder collided with Crysencio Summerville and was forced off after 30 minutes, with scans confirming a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee. Odegaard has pulled out of the Norway squad, leaving Mikel Arteta to weigh up how to structure his midfield in the coming weeks.

Three ways Arsenal could line up without Martin Odegaard after injury setback — frames the big question around Arsenal’s title push: who can replace their creative heartbeat? With no return date confirmed, Arteta must consider reshaping his system, handing opportunities to squad players, or trusting youth.

Here, Football Place examines three realistic options.

The most natural adjustment is shifting Eberechi Eze into Odegaard’s right-sided No8 role. Signed from Crystal Palace in the summer, Eze was originally expected to operate wide left but has already featured centrally under Arteta.

On Saturday, he began as the left No8 alongside Odegaard but switched sides seamlessly after the captain’s withdrawal. Declan Rice was pushed forward, while Martin Zubimendi anchored the midfield. The combination allowed Arsenal to dominate possession against West Ham.

Eze has shown he can link effectively with Bukayo Saka on the right flank, making this the likeliest short-term solution.

Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Martinelli

If Arteta opts for a like-for-like replacement, Ethan Nwaneri offers the closest stylistic match to Odegaard. The 18-year-old left-footer has already demonstrated flashes of maturity in the role, including an impressive cameo against Leeds earlier this season when Arsenal ran out 5-0 winners.

Nwaneri’s minutes have been limited, but his creativity and ability to operate between the lines mirror Odegaard’s qualities. Arteta handed him a Carabao Cup start against Port Vale, and though Eze’s experience may keep him ahead in the pecking order, Nwaneri represents a bold but exciting option.

Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Nwaneri, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Eze

When Odegaard missed four games earlier this season with a shoulder problem, Mikel Merino was regularly drafted in. Arteta paired him with Rice as dual No8s, with Zubimendi sitting deep. The set-up worked away at Athletic Bilbao in a 2-0 win but drew criticism when used against Manchester City, where Arsenal lacked creativity in a 1-1 draw.

This system strengthens Arsenal defensively but risks blunting their attacking spark. Nonetheless, Merino remains a trusted figure in Arteta’s plans, and in high-stakes fixtures he may be preferred for his experience and work rate.

Possible XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Eze

FootballPlace analyst John William says: “Arteta faces a delicate balance without Odegaard. Eze provides creativity and rhythm, but Nwaneri could be a wildcard option to maintain fluency. The Merino–Rice axis offers control in tough away games but limits invention. A horses-for-courses approach seems likely.”

He added: “Arsenal’s depth has improved, but losing Odegaard long-term would test their title credentials. The next few weeks may define whether they can adapt or fade.”

Arsenal’s first test without their captain could come against Arsenal’s London rivals Fulham after the international break. With Champions League and league fixtures piling up, Arteta must rotate carefully.

The long-term prognosis for Odegaard will dictate transfer strategy too. Should he face an extended spell out, January reinforcements may be considered, though for now Arteta is focused on internal solutions.

👉 Which option should Arteta choose to replace Odegaard: Eze’s versatility, Nwaneri’s creativity, or Merino’s solidity?