Arsenal Martin Odegaard blow confirmed as Oleksandr Zinchenko absence for Tottenham explained

Martin Odegaard is one of several players absent as Arsenal take on Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.

The Gunners captain picked up an ankle injury while on international duty with Norway and was a doubt heading into the game despite Mikel Arteta's pre-match comments suggesting he could be fit. He has been unable to recover and remains a doubt for coming matches against Atalanta and Manchester City this week.

Odegaard is one of a few senior players missing from the squad for the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Riccardo Calafiori is absent after sustaining a freak calf problem during Italy's 3-1 win over France.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is also out with a calf problem for Arsenal. The Ukrainian was invovled over the international break for his country but has once again picked up a familiar injury.

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With Declan Rice suspended Arsenal's squad looks incredibly short for the North London Derby. Youngsters Ismeal Kabia, Maldini Kaccuri, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Ayden Heaven are on a thread bare Gunners bench.

Gabriel Jesus is fit however. The Brazilian had been out for three weeks with a groin problem, but is available again after returning to training this week.

Arsenal starting XI vs Tottenham Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Jorginho, Trossard; Martinelli, Saka, Havertz

Subs - Neto, Kiwior, Heaven, Kacurri, Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus, Kabia