Arsenal travel to face Leicester City this afternoon looking to extend their 14-game unbeaten run in the Premier League – temporarily closing the gap to runaway leaders Arsenal.
However, Mikel Arteta will be without numerous key first-team members for the trip to the East Midlands, with strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both unavailable for the remainder of the campaign.
The Spaniard also confirmed that winger Bukayo Saka is in his rehab stage of his recovery, with this afternoon’s clash coming too soon for the winger.
He’s been a huge miss to the Gunners squad, missing for the last two months as a result of his hamstring surgery, with his tally of five goals and 10 assists affecting their title charge.
One first-team player has been greatly affected by his absence, unable to reach the heights he so usually has during his team at the Emirates to date.
Martin Odegaard’s form for Arsenal in 2024/25
After featuring in his first three league matches of the season, midfielder Martin Odegaard also found himself on the sidelines for an extended spell after suffering an ankle injury on international duty.
However, he returned to action in November, aiming to provide the needed quality in which the side had greatly missed during his period of absence.
The Norwegian has so far only registered two goals and three assists in his 16 league outings, a long way off his tally of 18 combined in the top flight last season.
Saka’s injury has undoubtedly contributed to his mini drop-off in front of goal, with the players who have filled in for the Englishman so far being unable to match his high levels of performance.
However, Arteta could unleash one star who could follow in the footsteps of the academy graduate, with his incredible ability in attacking areas aiding Odegaard’s hint to return to his best form.
The player who Arteta needs to unleash against Leicester
During Saka’s spell on the sidelines, various players have attempted to fill the void, including the likes of Raheem Sterling, Jesus and Leandro Trossard.
However, none of the aforementioned trio have been able to produce the goods, with 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri the player who’s been able to provide the best cover in recent weeks.
The teenage, who’s previously been dubbed “phenomenal” by one analyst, still holds the record for the youngest-ever Premier League appearance maker, after the Gunners boss handed him his debut against Brentford as a 15-year-old.
He’s since gone from strength to strength in the first-team scene, making 23 appearances throughout 2024/25, albeit most being off the substitutes bench.
However, he’s still managed to provide the goods off limited minutes, scoring seven times despite his tender age, possessing a skill set way beyond his teenage years.
His development through the academy, coupled with his ability to cut inside onto his left foot makes him a very similar player to the injured Arsenal star, potentially being their next version of the winger and also the perfect temporary fix until he returns.
Games played
14
Goals scored
3
Shots taken
2.9
Pass accuracy
90%
Chances created
1.6
Successful dribbles
2.9
Dribble success
70%
In his last league appearance, he put the seal on a 5-1 win over Manchester City at the Emirates, doing so with a total of just six minutes of action – showcasing the quality he can provide if given the chance.
The boss desperately needs to recall the youngster given his form and the recent injury setbacks, with the crisis offering him the perfect chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role.
As for Odegaard, Nwaneri’s ability in the final third could see him boost his own tallies, looking to finally kickstart his season after his troubles with injuries over the last couple of months.
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