Mikel Arteta could be forced into a difficult selection call ahead of Arsenal’s North London Derby showdown with Tottenham Hotspur, after unexpected news emerged regarding Martin Odegaard’s fitness.
The Arsenal captain is surprisingly in contention to feature on Sunday, despite Norway boss Stale Solbakken recently suggesting that the midfielder was still “quite a way off” from full fitness. Odegaard’s quicker-than-expected recovery is a huge boost for the Gunners, but it also means someone may need to make room for him in the starting XI — and that player could be Eberechi Eze.
Eze’s spot under threat as Odegaard edges closer to return
Since Odegaard picked up his injury against West Ham, Eze has operated as Arsenal’s main central attacking midfielder. The summer signing from Crystal Palace has shown glimpses of quality, yet his overall impact has been inconsistent.
In seven matches across all competitions since stepping into the No. 10 role, Eze has managed one goal and one assist — solid, but not enough to make the position unquestionably his. With Odegaard back in training and expected to be available, Arteta will likely restore his captain to the heart of midfield if the medical team gives the green light.
That leaves Eze facing two options: drop to the bench or be shifted to the left wing. However, moving him wide would mean displacing Leandro Trossard — and on current form, that feels unlikely.
Trossard’s form makes Arteta’s decision clearer
Trossard has been one of Arsenal’s most productive players this season, contributing eight goals across all competitions. The Belgian also scored a brilliant long-range effort against Sunderland before the international break, strengthening his claim to start.
With Trossard performing at such a high level, the more realistic outcome is Eze returning to the bench if Odegaard is deemed fit enough to start.
Eze could still be crucial off the bench vs Tottenham
Even if he doesn’t begin the match, Eze could still have a significant influence on the derby. With many expecting a tight contest, both Arteta and Spurs boss Thomas Frank may rely on their substitutes to swing the game late on.
Eze’s dribbling, ability to operate in tight spaces, and knack for beating defenders could be even more dangerous against a tired Spurs back line in the second half. His introduction would offer Arsenal a different type of threat — one that could prove decisive.
Trossard has delivered strong performances both as a starter and an impact substitute in the past, but based on recent form, Eze may be the better option to introduce later in the match.
Verdict
If Martin Odegaard is cleared to return for the North London Derby, the most likely player to make way is Eberechi Eze — but his role could still be vital from the bench as Arsenal look to overcome their biggest rivals in a crucial Premier League fixture.
