BREAKING NEWS: Troy Deeney claims that Arsenal sold a player who could have been a suitable replacement for Martin Odegaard.
Troy Deeney has criticized Arsenal’s decision to sell Emile Smith Rowe, arguing that the midfielder could have been a suitable replacement for the injured Martin Odegaard. The 25-year-old Arsenal captain is a major doubt for the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham after suffering an ankle injury during Norway’s Nations League victory over Austria.
Odegaard was forced to leave the pitch with assistance from Norway’s medical staff in Oslo and was later spotted using crutches as he prepared to return to England. His injury adds to Mikel Arteta’s concerns, as Arsenal will also be without Declan Rice due to suspension and summer signing Mikel Merino, who is sidelined with an injury.
Discussing the impact of Odegaard’s injury, former Watford striker Deeney told talkSPORT: “I think it will be monumental. Arsenal have been fortunate over the last two years, with no major injuries or suspensions affecting key players during significant games. This week will likely be the first time they’ll be without two crucial players due to injury and suspension, so it will be interesting to see how they handle it.”
Deeney believes Arsenal may regret their decision to sell Smith Rowe to Fulham, as he could have been the ideal temporary replacement for Odegaard if he is sidelined for an extended period. He added: “This is where the frustration lies for some Arsenal fans I know, regarding the decision to let go of Emile Smith Rowe. He’s not exactly like Odegaard, but he would have been a good stop-gap option in this situation.”
Deeney went on to explain that Arsenal may now need to make tactical adjustments, possibly by dropping Kai Havertz deeper or repositioning Gabriel Jesus, although Jesus is currently injured as well. He noted, “You’d probably have to look at dropping Havertz back a bit, or maybe putting Jesus in there, but with him injured too, there are several adjustments that will need to be made.”
Deeney highlighted Manchester City’s squad depth as a key factor that sets the champions apart from teams like Arsenal in the Premier League. He said: “For Declan Rice, Arsenal do have Jorginho, who can step in. While he’s not the same type of player, he can keep possession and perform well in Champions League matches. But when you look at Arsenal’s squad, beyond the starting XI, there are concerns. If a center-back gets injured, they could struggle. If the right-back is out, the team isn’t the same.”