Troy Deeney has raised concerns over Arsenal’s decision to part ways with Emile Smith Rowe, especially in light of Martin Odegaard’s recent injury, Soccernet.football reports.
The Norwegian star, who has been pivotal to Arsenal’s success, suffered an ankle injury during Norway’s Nations League victory over Austria, leaving him in doubt for the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Odegaard was helped off the pitch by Norway’s medical team and was later seen using crutches as he made his way back to England.
This injury presents a significant problem for Mikel Arteta, particularly with Declan Rice suspended and new signing Mikel Merino also sidelined due to injury.
Deeney, speaking on talkSPORT, emphasised the impact Odegaard’s absence could have: “I think it will be a monumental miss. Arsenal got lucky over the last two years with no one getting injured and no one really missing any big games through suspension.”
Reflecting on Arsenal’s decision to sell Smith Rowe to Fulham for £27m, Deeney suggested the versatile midfielder could have been a valuable stop-gap during Odegaard’s potential absence.
“He’s not the same player as Odegaard by any stretch, but he would certainly offer a stop-gap in that moment,” Deeney said.
The former Watford striker believes Arsenal’s depth is their biggest issue compared to Premier League rivals Manchester City.
“Arsenal’s XI is very, very good but after that, you just start to go, ‘Oh, if one of the centre-backs gets injured, they might be struggling here.’ That’s where Manchester City are just a level above everybody,” Deeney added.
With Arsenal heading into the North London derby this weekend, Arteta will face a tough test in managing his squad’s injuries and suspensions.