“This will be the biggest test” - Former Arsenal star highlights major challenge Mikel Arteta now faces at the Emirates 

Former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott believes the current phase is the biggest challenge for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta. The Spanish tactician's side heads into the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (September 15) with a couple of notable absentees.

For starters, Martin Odegaard is set to miss this tie due to injury, and Declan Rice is suspended following his red card against Brighton before the international break. Speaking specifically about the Norway international's situation ahead of the north London derby, Walcott told Football London (via Tribal Football):

"There's an expectation for every player to play at Arsenal, I get that. But I just feel like it is the biggest test and it's nice to have it right at the start of the season when the games are little bit more staggered.

"It gives a bit more opportunity for these players to come back, but it also gives an opportunity for the players to put a statement and say, 'Look, I want to challenge Martin Odegaard. I know he's the captain but I want to challenge him right now.'"

It does become a big test for Arteta in a sense to see who he chooses to replace Odegaard in the number 10 role. With Emile Smith Rowe having joined Fulham this summer, the Gunners lack players who can operate in this position.

Moreover, they cannot afford to lose too many points at the start of the season after having played out a draw against Brighton in their previous game. Arsenal are fourth in the league standings, two points behind leaders Manchester City.

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Fabrizio Romano addresses Arsenal loanee's future who could have replaced Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard

Someone who could have replaced Martin Odegaard for the north London derby in an attacking midfield is Portuguese player Fabio Vieira. However, the 24-year-old was loaned out to FC Porto before the close of the summer transfer window.

Fabrizio Romano claimed the player's career at the Emirates is not over and the Gunners will decide on Vieira next summer. Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, he said (via Pain in the Arsenal):

"They only wanted to do a straight loan with no buy option included, because they want to address the situation of Fabio Vieira again in one year."

The midfielder hasn't been able to cement his position as a starter since joining the Gunners in the summer of 2022. He's made 49 appearances across competitions, bagging three goals and nine assists for the North Londoners.