Arsenal: 5 injuries Gunners can’t afford in top four hunt

3. Martin Odegaard

If the question was asked a couple of months ago this might not have been the case. Martin Odegaard was starting to find his feet in the team and stamp his authority on matches for longer spells, yet the feeling was that Smith Rowe could come in in his stead.

Now operating on another planet as the right-sided No. 8, and striking up a devastating partnership with Saka, the thought of not having him available for selection is one that is too terrifying to even consider.

It’s not just his quality either. Odegaard’s work rate is exemplary. It’s infectious.

Losing that engine and that drive could have consequences beyond scope. While the whole team works hard in its current guise, any player putting in weekly performances at the level Odegaard is hitting is an absence you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. Well, maybe Spurs.

Having a left-footer – specifically this one – in that right half-space has transformed how the team attack and you dare not think what might happen were he to be out of action.

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