Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard’s knee injury has handed Mikel Arteta a major selection dilemma ahead of a congested run of fixtures. The Norwegian playmaker will miss at least seven games, including crucial Premier League and European ties, prompting a potential tactical reshuffle.

Odegaard suffered a medial collateral ligament injury following a collision with West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville, forcing him off just 30 minutes into Arsenal’s 2-0 win last weekend.

While the club hasn't confirmed an exact return date, he's expected to be unavailable until after the November international break. In his absence, Arteta must adjust his midfield setup to ensure continuity and creativity in a squad competing on multiple fronts.

The most straightforward solution lies in Eberechi Eze, who has already featured centrally under Arteta. Initially signed as a left-sided attacker, Eze has transitioned into a more central role and was instrumental in Arsenal’s recent win, linking well with Bukayo Saka from the right No.8 position. His flair, press resistance, and ability to carry the ball make him the most natural senior option to step into Odegaard’s shoes.

For a more like-for-like replacement in terms of profile, 18-year-old Ethan Nwaneri is also in the frame. A gifted left-footed playmaker, Nwaneri impressed earlier this season when given the chance in a similar role, notably during a 5-0 win over Leeds. Though still raw, his technical attributes and comfort in advanced spaces may tempt Arteta in select matches, especially at home or in less demanding cup ties.

A more conservative route would be to revert to the Rice-Merino combination, which Arteta previously used during Odegaard’s shoulder injury earlier this season. Though more defensively solid, the duo lacks the creativity typically provided by the captain, and this setup has previously drawn criticism for its rigidity. Still, for tougher opponents, particularly away in Europe, Arteta may prefer this pragmatic approach.

With matches against Fulham, Atletico Madrid, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Burnley, Slavia Prague and Sunderland all coming up, Arsenal’s depth and tactical adaptability will be tested. While Odegaard’s absence is a significant blow, Arteta’s evolving squad has multiple routes to maintain momentum and potentially unearth new stars in the process.