Arsenal
5 players Arsenal can have as backup for skipper Martin Odegaard
Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal into a well-oiled machine ever since he took charge. Although the former Gunners captain struggled in his first couple of years, the progress since 2022 has been phenomenal. Having finished runners-up twice over the last two seasons, Arteta’s men have given EPL giants Manchester City a run for their money, finishing just below them in the table.
However, the only nagging issue that plagues the North London side is the squad depth, especially in certain positions, notably, attacking midfielder and striker. While the Gunners’ defense is as safe as a house, with a boatload of experienced/talented starters and substitutes, it is the attack that remains thin. And the problem continues to threaten Arsenal.
Whenever skipper Martin Odegaard is missing from the lineup, their creativity goes for a toss. And when the Norwegian wizard spins a dangerous pass through, the lack of a lethal striker leads to a comparatively lesser finishing rate. Although the ever-fit Kai Havertz brought decent returns in the 2023/24 season, he is certainly not better than a proper striker upfront. Here are five players Arsenal can sign to fill in when their hard-working skipper, Martin Odegaard isn’t fit. Note: The players mentioned below might still be in contract with the club
Giorgian de Arrascaeta
Giorgian de Arrascaeta, the talented Uruguayan midfielder is battle-tested and can prove to be an excellent backup for the Norwegian. At 30 years of age, Arrascaeta has plied his trade only in South America, his entire life. Currently playing for Flamengo in the Brazilian Serie A, Arrascaeta has notched up staggering numbers from his 280 appearances in 5 years for the club. His G/A currently stands at a stunning 164 from 280 games, with 71 goals and a whopping 93 assists.
Having him on the bench, might prove to be a massive boost for the North London club.
Philippe Coutinho
EPL tried-and-tested Philippe Coutinho is still a part of an EPL club – Aston Villa. On loan from the in-form club, the Brazilian is currently at Brazilian Serie A club Vasco da Gama. The attacking midfielder played a big part in Liverpool’s title mount under Steven Gerrard/Brendan Rodgers back in 2013/2014. With impressive returns, Coutinho also helped in the surge of Liverpool as an EPL giant during former manager Jurgen Klopp’s early years.
Having seen it all across a number of big leagues, Coutinho’s experience in the bench might prove to be immense for Arsenal.
Teji Savanier
Another experienced midfielder in his 30s. Teji Savanier knows what it is to shoulder a club’s responsibility, having been the captain of Montpellier for quite a while. Although, Savanier’s contract only expires in 2026, Arsenal getting hold of the Frenchman can do wonders for the team.
The talented midfielder has racked up 43 goals and 29 assists for the 2011/12 Ligue 1 champions. The presence of Savanier can ease pressure on Martin Odegaard certainly.
Suso
Another attacking player who has had a taste of the EPL. A young Suso once was a part of Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool, having risen through the youth academy of the club. Although he did show signs of promise, he never really shone at the English club, and eventually left to AC Milan. He spent his early years at the club going out on loan before developing into a reliable player for the Italian giants. The Spaniard then left for Sevilla, after 5 years with AC Milan, and has now been an integral part of the club.
Given Mikel Arteta’s liking for Spaniards, Suso will surely be a valuable addition to the Gunners’ thin creative midfield.
Alejandro Pozuelo
Another Spaniard on the list. The 32-year-old is currently plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League for the club Al-Fayha. Although not much known as the aforementioned players, Pozuelo has been a reliable midfielder throughout his career. The veteran also once featured in the EPL back in 2013-14 for the now-relegated Swansea City.
He didn’t leave much of a lasting impact though. Given his Spanish nationality, it would be a decent buy, if Arsenal manage to use him from the bench during Odegaard’s absence.
Arsenal Dragon
Renee Slegers Confirms The Position Arsenal Women Are Looking To Sign a Player From in January Transfer Window
Renee Slegers has confirmed Arsenal will sign a goalkeeper in January after revealing Daphne van Domselaar will miss the remainder of 2025 with a quad tendon issue, leaving the club relying on debutant Anneke Borbe and teenager Amy Liddiard.
The Arsenal boss made the admission during Friday’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Liverpool, where summer signing Borbe will make her full debut with 17-year-old Liddiard providing backup from the bench.
Van Domselaar requires an injection for her quad tendon problem and won’t return until the new year, compounding Arsenal’s goalkeeper crisis. Manuela Zinsberger is already out for the season after rupturing her ACL in October, one of 17 players across the WSL to suffer knee injuries during that month alone.
“We Need Three Goalkeepers Available”
Asked directly if Arsenal want to sign a goalkeeper in January, Slegers didn’t hesitate. “Yes, definitely, because Manu is out and Daphne has been managing issues, so we’re definitely looking,” she said.
“We’re definitely looking at that position because we think we need a really strong goalkeeper union with three goalkeepers available and we’re not in that situation at the moment so we’ll have to solve that for the second half of the season.”
Arsenal have also been linked with Swedish right-back Smilla Holmberg as they look to strengthen multiple positions during the winter window.
Chloe Kelly Adds to Injury Woes
The goalkeeper situation isn’t Arsenal’s only injury concern for Saturday’s noon kick-off. Chloe Kelly suffered a knee injury on England duty against Ghana on Tuesday and will miss the Liverpool match. Like van Domselaar, Kelly could be unavailable until the new year.
Katie Reid and Michelle Agyemang (on loan at Brighton) have also suffered season-ending ACL injuries this campaign, highlighting the brutal injury toll Arsenal have endured.
Slegers Dismisses Dressing Room “Unrest” Reports
Slegers was also asked about The Athletic’s report claiming the dressing room has been “splintered for many years” with some players “wielding significant influence” and underlying tension between squad members.
The Arsenal boss firmly rejected the narrative. “We won the Champions League, historically we are the most successful club in England, there is noise on the outside, there will always be noise, but on the inside we know what we are doing,” she responded.
“I didn’t agree with it and I think it is unfortunate that this is what is written about us while we are doing so many good things and a lot of people invested in the process.”
Also read: Arsenal Women vs. Liverpool Women: Predicted Lineups + Match Preview
Arsenal face their toughest test of the season as they travel to Villa Park, where Aston Villa have been nearly impenetrable. The Gunners hold a six-point advantage over third-placed Villa, but their defensive injury crisis threatens to derail their title momentum.
Kick-off: 12:30 GMT, Saturday, December 6, 2025
Venue: Villa Park
Referee: Michael Oliver
TV: TNT Sports 1
Form Guide
Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners in this exact fixture last season, with goals from Trossard and Thomas Partey settling matters at Villa Park. However, Villa dealt a seismic blow to Arsenal’s title bid with a 2-0 away victory in mid-April 2024, helping Manchester City to win the league. A 2-2 draw at the Emirates last January again stunted Arsenal’s championship pursuit.
Villa have been in exceptional form, winning seven of their last eight games across all competitions. They showed character in midweek to claim a 4-3 win over Brighton, despite trailing 2-0 after half an hour. Ollie Watkins enjoyed a welcome return to form, netting twice in the first half. At home, Villa have won five of their seven fixtures this season and are unbeaten in their last 25 Premier League home games.
Arsenal maintained their five-point lead at the top with a 2-0 win over Brentford in midweek. Goals from Mikel Merino and Bukayo Saka extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches across all competitions. However, the match came at a cost with injuries to Declan Rice and Cristhian Mosquera.
Team News
Arsenal’s defensive crisis has reached alarming levels. Gabriel Magalhaes suffered a thigh problem while representing Brazil during the November international break and could be missing for up to two months. William Saliba has missed the last two matches after suffering a knock in training, though Arteta confirmed it should be “a matter of days” before his return.
Cristhian Mosquera was forced off before half-time against Brentford with an ankle injury and is set to miss 6 to 8 weeks of football. Declan Rice also limped off late on with a calf issue, though the midfielder told Sky Sports he is “fine” and expects to be available. Leandro Trossard could return from a muscle injury, with Arteta confirming he should be back within “a matter of days.” Kai Havertz remains weeks away from returning after knee surgery complications.
For Villa, Emiliano Martinez is a major doubt with a back injury that kept him out against Brighton. The Argentine was forced to withdraw from the lineup after experiencing pain during the warm-up. Ross Barkley is ruled out for 8-12 weeks with a knee injury suffered against Wolves. Tyrone Mings remains sidelined with a thigh injury and won’t be available until late December at the earliest.
Predicted Lineups
Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Bizot; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans; Buendia, McGinn, Rogers; Watkins
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Timber, Hincapié, Calafiori; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Read More: Arsenal Player Ratings vs Brentford: Gunners Restore Five-Point Lead With 2-0 Win
Arsenal Women look to bounce back from consecutive frustrating results when they host bottom-of-the-table Liverpool at Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have drawn their last two WSL matches and sit fourth, eight points behind leaders Manchester City, while the Reds remain winless with just two points from eight games.
Kick-off: 12:00 GMT, Saturday, December 6, 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports Football
Form Guide
Arsenal held Tottenham to a goalless north London derby at Brisbane Road on November 16, dominating possession but failing to convert 13 attempts into goals.
Three days later, they came from behind to beat Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League at Meadow Park, with Alessia Russo scoring twice after Caroline Weir’s opener.
Liverpool drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Anfield before the international break, their second consecutive draw following a 1-1 stalemate with Brighton. The Reds sit bottom with two points and have lost all three away fixtures, scoring just once on the road this season.
Team News
Arsenal’s Chloe Kelly is a major doubt after lasting just 20 minutes of England’s 2-0 win over Ghana on Tuesday, clutching her knee following a blocked cross. Sarina Wiegman confirmed Kelly “felt something with her knee that didn’t feel right” but could walk off. Her availability for Saturday remains uncertain.
Captain Kim Little could return after missing international duty, though Lia Walti remains unavailable. Leah Williamson continues recovering from her Euro 2025 knee injury. Katie Reid (ACL), Lina Hurtig, Laura Wienroither and Manuela Zinsberger (ACL) are all long-term absentees.
Liverpool captain Grace Fisk is ruled out for 10 days after suffering a calf problem during England training. Risa Shimizu also remains sidelined. Sophie Roman Haug and Marie Hobinger are long-term casualties with ACL injuries suffered days apart in October.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Van Domselaar; Fox, Wubben-Moy, Catley, McCabe; Walti, Little; Foord, Maanum, Mead; Russo
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Laws; Parry, Clark, Matthews, Hinz; Holland, Nagano; Lundgaard, Daniels, Enderby; Olsson
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