Arsenal Gear Up for Crucial Derby Amid Injury Woes

Arsenal is preparing for a challenging set of fixtures starting with a Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Key midfielders Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice are unavailable, complicating Mikel Arteta's squad rotation. Arsenal's recent good record in north London derbies offers some hope despite the challenges.

Arsenal faces a daunting set of fixtures starting with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, with influential midfielders sidelined this weekend. However, Mikel Arteta's side can take heart from their recent record in north London derbies.

Arsenal were held to a draw by Brighton & Hove Albion in their last outing, leaving them two points off the pace set by champions Manchester City and Liverpool. With City and Liverpool playing on Saturday, Arsenal could face a five-point gap ahead of Sunday's derby.

In a first for 38 years, Arsenal will wear their away kit due to a color clash. However, skipper Martin Odegaard and midfield partner Declan Rice will be missing. Odegaard is out with an ankle injury, and Rice is suspended. Despite these setbacks, Arteta's forced rotations could see Kai Havertz in a deeper role.

(With inputs from agencies.)