Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta may soon face one of his toughest selection decisions of the season as captain Martin Ødegaard edges closer to a return from injury.

While the Norwegian remains a hugely influential figure at the Emirates, his place in the starting XI is no longer guaranteed, reports alldaysport.

Ødegaard has been absent for Arsenal’s last two matches after picking up a minor injury during the emphatic win over Leeds at Elland Road.

During his pre-match press conference ahead of the Gunners’ 3-0 victory against Sunderland, Arteta was asked whether his captain is undroppable when fit.

The Spaniard was full of praise but notably avoided confirming his automatic return to the lineup. “I love him,” Arteta said. “He’s so good and he will continue to be the captain. He continues to be so good.”

That response speaks volumes about Arsenal’s current situation. Arteta has built a squad overflowing with quality, especially in midfield, and competition for places is fiercer than ever.

Havertz Making His Case

Kai Havertz has been one of the main beneficiaries of Ødegaard’s absence. The German international has started in midfield and produced a series of strong performances, rediscovering form after earlier fitness issues.

Havertz’s impact has gone beyond individual displays. His link-up play has helped unlock striker Viktor Gyökeres, providing key assists in recent matches against Kairat Almaty and Sunderland. Add goals against Kairat and former club Chelsea, and Havertz is firmly staking his claim as a key starter.

Arteta has always valued versatility and physical presence, and at 6ft 4in, Havertz adds height and strength through the middle — something that aligns perfectly with the manager’s tactical preferences.

Ødegaard’s Numbers Under the Microscope
While Ødegaard’s influence cannot be measured purely by statistics, his output this season has been below previous standards.

With just one goal in 25 appearances, questions have naturally emerged about his end product, especially when compared to the current form of his midfield rivals.

That doesn’t diminish his leadership or technical quality, but it does mean Arteta has real alternatives — something that hasn’t always been the case in past seasons.

Midfield Depth at Its Strongest

Adding to the selection headache is Eberechi Eze, who has struggled for minutes despite Ødegaard’s absence. His lack of starts highlights just how competitive Arsenal’s squad has become, with Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi also firmly established in midfield roles.

Eze is now competing not only with Ødegaard, but also with a resurgent Havertz for attacking midfield responsibilities — a situation that underscores Arsenal’s impressive depth.

A Positive Problem for Arteta

With Arsenal still fighting on multiple fronts and chasing silverware across several competitions, rotation and tactical flexibility will be crucial. Ødegaard may not walk straight back into the starting XI, but his importance to the squad and the title challenge remains unquestionable.

For Arteta, this is the kind of problem every elite manager wants — difficult decisions driven by form, not lack of options./ALLDAYSPORT/