Arsenal trio given new role as Mikel Arteta to make Premier League title race defining decision

This month, three unlikely candidates will decide whether or not Arsenal can win the Premier League. The Gunners have some difficult fixtures in the calendar, including a North London Derby and a visit to the Etihad Stadium.

Not only do Arsenal have some season-defining fixtures in the English top flight, but they also have a trip to Bergamo in the Champions League and a banana peel tie in the Carabao Cup. Ordinarily, the Gunners would relish the chance to test themselves against Europe's best.

However, in the upcoming weeks, Mikel Arteta could be without two key players. Mikel Merino suffered a shoulder injury in his first training session at London Colney after signing from Real Sociedad.

Then, on Monday night, Martin Odegaard picked up a knock during a Nations League clash against Austria. While fighting for possession with Christoph Baumgartner, the 25-year-old midfielder appeared to sprain his ankle – and he could be sidelined for at least three weeks.

So, Arteta will need Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Kai Havertz to step up and hold the fort until the cavalry arrives. So, with that being said, football.london have looked at what games the trio could miss in the early stages of the title race.

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Tottenham (A) – Premier League – September 15

The big one. The north London derby. Arguably the biggest game of Arsenal's season. With Declan Rice suspended, Merino sidelined and Odegaard set to be out, Jorginho, Partey and Havertz will have to be at their very best to keep the Gunners in the tie.

Bolton Wanderers (H) – Carabao Cup – September 17

This game should offer Arsenal some much-needed respite before they lick their wounds and gear up for the Champions League. With Ethan Nwaneri not going out on loan, Arteta can hand the teenage sensation his first competitive start of the season.

Atalanta (A) – Champions League – September 19

Another big game. Arsenal will want to get off on the right foot in Europe, so Jorginho, Partey and Havertz will have their work cut out. An away day too, which could really test the trios' fitness.

Manchester City (A) – Premier League – September 22

Arsenal are going to be put through the ringer in September. While this month may be daunting for the Gunners, they have the chance to prove why they must be considered title contenders, domestically and on the European stage.

If Arteta's side are to stay in the title race, Jorginho, Partey and Havertz must pull together and leave everything on the pitch.

Leicester City (H) – Premier League – September 28

This game can't come around quick enough. Back on home soil against a newly-promoted side. Arsenal will be hoping that at least one of Merino or Odegaard are back in action by this stage. Whatever happens in the upcoming weeks, this match will be the perfect 'reset button' for the Gunners.