EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal warned losing Odegaard is a 'massive' blow ahead of north London derby
Tottenham legend Rafael van der Vaart claims Spurs can take advantage of injury-hit rivals
Arsenal have been warned that losing Martin Odegaard to injury is a ‘massive’ blow ahead of the north London derby.
The Gunners will be without their captain for the clash against Tottenham on Saturday, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming that the Norwegian is “out for a few weeks” with a calf problem.
And former Spurs midfielder Rafael van der Vaart believes that Arsenal’s rivals could take advantage of their weakened state.
“It’s a massive blow for Arsenal,” Van der Vaart told Ziggo Sport. “Odegaard is their brain, he’s the one who makes them tick.
“Without him, they’re going to struggle to create chances and score goals. Tottenham will be licking their lips at the prospect of playing them without him.”
Odegaard has been in impressive form for Arsenal this season, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in all competitions.
His absence will be a major concern for Arteta, who is already without a number of other key players through injury.
Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all doubts for the north London derby, while Mohamed Elneny is out for the season with a knee injury.
Arsenal’s injury crisis has left Arteta with a selection headache ahead of the crunch clash against Tottenham.
The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League table, but they will need to be at their best to beat their bitter rivals, who are in third place.
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