3 ways Mikel Arteta could solve his mini midfield injury crisis

2. Utilise Oleksandr Zinchenko

Zinchenko’s fitness is huge for Arteta. Once he returns to the fold, he’ll likely play in midfield with Tierney continuing at left-back.

The Ukrainian plays in midfield to a very high standard for the national team and he’s well-suited to the left-sided #8 role in Arteta’s 4-3-3.

That would force Xhaka into the single pivot with Odegaard operating from the right half-space. The Swiss midfielder has rarely performed as a lone #6, and I have doubts as to whether Arteta will utilise him in this role, especially at Old Trafford on Sunday.

May I chuck Ben White’s name into the hat again?

However, if he does trust Xhaka and Zinchenko isn’t yet fit, then Lokonga could get a chance as the left-sided #8. The young Belgian impressed the coaching staff from this position during pre-season.

Continued on the next slide…