Arsenal legend Cesc Fabregas has endorsed Leandro Trossard as the ideal candidate to replace Martin Odegaard in midfield for the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham.
With Odegaard facing a potential three-week absence due to an ankle injury, Fabregas believes Trossard possesses the necessary “capabilities and qualities” to fill the void.
Mikel Arteta is grappling with multiple selection conundrums ahead of the crucial match, including the suspension of Declan Rice and injuries to Mikel Merino, Gabriel Jesus, Riccardo Calafiori, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Odegaard’s ankle issue, sustained during Norway’s Nations League win over Austria, has further complicated Arteta’s team selection.
While teenage prodigy Ethan Nwaneri has been touted as a potential solution, Fabregas thinks Trossard’s experience and skillset make him the more suitable option for the high-stakes encounter.
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On Nwaneri, Fabregas told the Planet Premier League podcast:
‘I have no doubts that if Mikel puts him in the starting XI or even during the game it’s because he has seen that he’s good enough to make an impact.
‘Obviously the consequences of Rice and Odegaard being out helps and makes it a little bit faster than he would have liked but definitely it means that he is on his mind.
‘If he’s part of the squad it’s because he really believes that he can bring something to the table.
‘I also would like to see Trossard in midfield.
I know he likes to come from the wing but he has the capabilities and qualities to play that role of Odegaard.
A little more offensive midfielder, No.8, No.10.
‘I think he’s got the qualities to do that. Probably [Thomas] Partey and Jorginho will be the other two midfielders if I am not mistaken.
‘But overall, it’s great to see young players making it into the Premier League.’
According to Fabregas, this weekend’s grudge match is a ‘much bigger game’ for Arsenal given the club’s aspirations for the top-flight season.
‘It’s still early but I think it’s a bigger game for Arsenal.’
‘Arsenal need to go toe to toe with Manchester City to win the league this year.
It’s their third year straight trying to win it in a confident way, where they believe it can be done.
‘With all due respect and I’m being serious, if Tottenham finish fifth or sixth, I know they will always try to aim a bit higher,
but it won’t be seen as such a failure as if Arsenal doesn’t manage to win the league this season because they have been very, very close the last couple of years.’
‘I do believe for Arsenal it’s a much bigger game because they have to find this continuity after drawing the last game against Brighton.
‘For the confidence after the international break as well, I think it’s important.
‘Big season for Arsenal, big month for Arsenal and I think it’s a much bigger game for them.’
Cesc Fabregas left Arsenal in 2011, after making 303 appearances, scoring 59 goals, and providing 111 assists during his 8-year at the Club.
