Martin Odegaard set for Arsenal role that nobody saw coming after injury niggle

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has missed the club's past two matches through injury but there are no guarantees he will immediately slot straight back into the starting XI upon return from injury

Speaking during his pre-match press conference before Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Sunderland, Mikel Arteta was asked if Martin Odegaard was undroppable.

The Spaniard did not require any thinking time to issue his response, replying with conviction: "I love him. He's so good and he will continue to be the captain. He continues to be so good."

The intense competition for places at Arsenal, particularly in midfield, is something Arteta has long craved and he's now blessed with a plethora of top-class options.

Odegaard is currently sidelined at the moment after picking up an injury niggle in the 4-0 demolition of Leeds at Elland Road.

But when he returns, which should be soon, it's not necessarily a given he will immediately slot straight back into the starting XI.

Kai Havertz started ahead of the Norwegian skipper against Leeds and the German has been in impressive form since returning from a problematic knee injury.

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There's also strong evidence to suggest Havertz is helping bring the best from striker Viktor Gyokeres having recently assisted the Swede against Kairat Almaty and Sunderland, respectively.

It's certainly no secret that Arteta treasures Havertz, he also treasures Odegaard but there's now a firm argument that the former Chelsea attacker now features in Arsenal's strongest starting XI.

Odegaard has mustered just one goal in 25 appearances this season and while his game has never been centred around numbers, his productivity levels have not been as efficient as they once were at the Emirates.

Meanwhile, Havertz, who is enjoying a hot streak having also netted against Kairat and his old side Chelsea, seems to be bringing X-factor to the party.

That's why at this moment in time, you cannot say with any degree of certainty that Odegaard will be a staple for the Gunners upon return from injury, even if his importance to the group and their title charge remains clear.

Arteta has always relished having height throughout the spine of his team also and at 6ft 4in, Havertz provides extra physical prowess on top of his admirable technical ability.

Then there's Eberechi Eze, who only had his first Premier League shot since scoring his hat-trick goal against Tottenham last weekend, who has faded away in recent months.

The fact he's been denied starts in the absence of Odegaard speaks volumes about the strength in depth Arsenal have at their disposal.

Now Eze isn't just competing with Odegaard for the attacking midfield role alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice, he's now competing with Havertz, too.

It's all great news for Arsenal, who remain in the hunt for four different trophies and all three players could have huge roles to play between now and the end of the season.