Arsenal faces Tottenham in derby without Declan Rice

In the upcoming north London derby, Arsenal will face Tottenham without their key player Declan Rice, who is suspended. Despite this setback, manager Mikel Arteta remains optimistic about the team's ability to perform effectively during set-pieces, a phase where they excelled last season, scoring the most goals in the Premier League from such situations. Arteta emphasized that the team's strategy does not rely solely on one player, indicating a readiness to adapt to the absence of Rice. Arsenal's defensive capabilities on dead-balls have also been strong, thanks to the work of specialist coach Nicolas Jover. The team will also miss captain Martin Odegaard due to an ankle injury, which adds to the challenges they face. Arteta hinted at potential replacements, including versatile player Kai Havertz and impactful substitute Leandro Trossard, to fill the gaps left by Rice and Odegaard. The manager expressed confidence in the squad's depth and the importance of every player's contribution, highlighting the need for adaptability in their game plan. Arteta addressed concerns regarding injuries, stating that while the team had a robust squad last season, they have faced unfortunate injuries this season that are beyond their control. He believes that the team's internal structure and preparation will help them navigate these challenges effectively. As Arsenal prepares for this crucial match, the focus will be on maintaining their attacking threat and defensive solidity, aiming to secure a positive result against their rivals despite the absences.