Arsenal return to Premier League action next weekend as they face Brentford ahead of a run of fixtures that will likely shape the entire season and whether they will be title challengers.
Mikel Arteta is hoping to welcome back Martin Odegaard as the Norwegian playmaker continues to recover from a hip injury. The 24-year-old withdrew from Norway duty ahead of the international break to focus on his rehabilitation.
Odegaard's Norway teammate, Erling Haaland, has suffered an injury during the break and is now facing a race against time to be passed fit in time for Manchester City's clash against Liverpool next weekend. The Gunners sit just one point behind league leaders and may be able to take advantage of City and Liverpool taking points off each other when Premier League action resumes.
Elsewhere, Kai Havertz was deployed at left-back for Germany against Turkey in a shock position change for the Arsenal star. Meanwhile, the January transfer window is only a few weeks away now and with the side starting to draw up their plans, it could be an interesting market ahead.
With that said, make sure you keep the blog on lock throughout the day as we bring you all the latest Arsenal news as it drops.
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Odegaard update
Mikel Arteta has been given a positive update on Martin Odegaard's fitness ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash against Brentford. The Gunners' captain has been absent with an injury since the Carabao Cup defeat against West Ham on November 1.
Odegaard has been nursing an injury recently and Arteta will hope that the Norwegian can return to action after the international break. Despite his ongoing hip problem, Odegaard's omission for the defeat against Newcastle at St James’ Park and the home Champions League win against Sevilla was as a result of an unrelated issue.
The Gunners captain took a ball to the face during a training session at London Colney in the lead up to the loss on Tyneside. Odegaard failed a fitness test ahead of the loss against Eddie Howe's side after being checked over for concussion.
football.london understands that Odegaard was put through his paces at London Colney on Tuesday and continues to be assessed, but is expected to return against Brentford. The 24-year-old was called up for Norway duty ahead of the international break before withdrawing from the squad to continue his recover at London Colney.
Norway boss Stale Solbakken has now revealed he has spoken to Odegaard and feels as though he is making real progress in his efforts to return after the break. "I've just come from a 45-minute talk with Martin," Solbakken told a press conference.
"He is getting better and better and gradually stepping up. It has been more or less three weeks without any special training, so it is important to take things step by step.
Arsenal Women win again!
Arsenal Women defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 earlier today, with the north Londoners now sitting second in the WSL.
Goals from Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord and Frida Maanum secured all three points for Jonas Eidevall's side.
Havertz message
Chelsea star Marc Cucurella has sent Arsenal summer signing Kai Havertz a message after the German international was deployed in a new position during international duty. Havertz swapped Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium back in June, joining the red side of London in a £65million move.
Since then, the 24-year-old has struggled to live up to the fee, delivering a number of below-bar displays for Mikel Arteta's men. He has predominantly operated as an attacking number eight for the Gunners so far this term but he played in a very different role on Saturday for Germany.
Julian Nagelsmann opted to utilise Havertz at left-back as his side were defeated 3-2 by Turkey in a friendly, a game that saw the versatile Arsenal man score the opener, netting after just five minutes. The former Bayer Leverkusen youngster's performance clearly impressed Blues defender Cucurella, who shared a dressing room with Havertz in west London last season.
Writing on his former teammate's latest Instagram, Cucurella said: "LB (fire emoji)." Die Mannschaft head coach Nagelsmann was also full of praise for Havertz after the match.
Dein hits out
Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has criticised current manager Mikel Arteta for his passionate rant following his side's loss to Newcastle United earlier this month. Speaking to talksport, Dein said: “In 101 minutes of football we only had one shot at goal, so you can’t really say that the team deserved to win.
"It is what it is. "There is a process in place for how they deal with these things and I just think it was a little bit unnecessary.
"I don’t think it did the image of the club any good."
Luiz hailed
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in recent times.
Two Gunners legends who would be happy with a potential move are Ian Wright and Paul Merson if their previous comments on the Brazilian are anything to go by.
Read what they have had to say here.
Points deduction cases
Shockwaves were sent around the Premier League on Friday as it was announced that Everton would receive a ten-point deduction after being found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules. The Toffees currently sit 14th in the table having accumulated 14 points after 12 games, meaning they would drop down to 19th following a deduction sitting, level on points with bottom-of-the-table Burnley.
All eyes are now on Manchester City's ongoing FFP investigation. The Citizens were charged earlier this year after allegedly breaching the league’s financial rules over 100 times between 2009 and 2018.
The reigning Premier League champions have vehemently denied the charges with the investigation still ongoing. It remains to be seen what exactly the punishment would be if City were found guilty of breaches, with a points deduction an option.
So with that being said, football.london has taken a look at every other time a Premier League side has received a points deduction prior to Everton's most recent case.
Read on here.
Ramsdale advice
Graeme Souness has told Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale to fight for his place in north London.
Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, Souness said: “It is time for Aaron Ramsdale to do his own fighting, rather than his dad doing it for him after his appearance on a podcast this week.
“The Arsenal goalkeeper has to show what he is made of and deal with the situation in which he finds himself. Mikel Arteta fancies David Raya more than he does Ramsdale right now, but that can change. I would ask him to look at the example of Harry Maguire.
"He took all the criticism on the chin, all the disappointment. He dealt with it and finds himself back in the team at Manchester United.
“For Ramsdale, this is a tough mental challenge. He cannot point to anything he’s done wrong on a consistent basis that has cost him his place in the team.
“Sport at the highest level can be cruel and can be seen to be unfair. But there is only one person who can right that perceived injustice—and it’s not Ramsdale’s dad.”
Kiwior update
Arsenal will reject any bids for defender Jakub Kiwior during the January transfer window, according to the Sunday Mirror.
AS Roma and AC Milan have both been linked with the Polish international in recent times.
Midfielders targeted
Arsenal icon Gilberto Silva has claimed that the Gunners want to sign midfielders in the January transfer window.
"I heard that they were maybe looking for some midfielders especially because of Partey being injured at times," Silva told the Mirror.
"I'm not sure if it's 100 percent going to happen but obviously, they have to be aware that this is a very short window and very specific. You have to be like a fisherman sometimes, to grab the right player that you really need that's going to help you to win games and to be useful for the rest of the season. Also to improve the way you play.
"It's not about sometimes bringing a player because you need [them]. Speaking to people there, Edu many times, they are working hard to have the data and what they think is right for the club in terms of targets. The market is very competitive as well, sometimes you have to be fast and not lose the opportunity."
Odegaard update
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has provided a positive update on Martin Odegaard ahead of Arsenal's return to action.
The Gunners skipper has missed the last three games after suffering a concussion. He also missed the 2-0 win over Faroe Islands for Norway.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference ahead of his side's meeting with Scotland, Solbakken said: "I've just come from a 45-minute talk with Martin. He is getting better and better and gradually stepping up. It has been more or less three weeks without any special training, so it is important to take things step by step. Both he and Arsenal probably hope that he is available for the Brentford match."
Real Madrid battle
Real Madrid reportedly want to sign Arsenal target Dusan Vlahovic in January.
According to TuttoJuve, the European giants are keen to bring a new No.9 to Spain after losing Karim Benzema last summer. Juventus are said to have no intentions in letting the Serbian leave, but if a new contract isn't signed, they may change their mind.
Obi-Martin debut
But when will that opportunity come? Right now, it's difficult to tell. However, there are certain fixtures coming up for Arsenal where Obi-Martin could be selected. Last month's Carabao Cup exit means the usual route to the senior team is already ruled out, leaving only three more competitions.
The Gunners will start their FA Cup campaign in January and if the draw presents a kind fixture, the centre-forward could be handed a place in the squad. Gabriel Jesus' injury means only Eddie Nketiah is Arteta's option in centre-forward, leaving a space open.
There is also potential for the striker to be named in the squad for the final UEFA Champions League group stage clash with PSV Eindhoven. Saka, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Aaron Ramsey, Smith Rowe and Nketiah all made their senior bows in European competitions.
Kick-off change
There has been a slight change of plan with regard to Arsenal's first game after the international break as their London derby away at Brentford will kick off later than initially planned.
Originally slated for 3pm next Saturday, it was announced last month that the Premier League fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium had been selected for live coverage and as a result was moved to 5.30pm to allow it to be broadcast by TNT Sports in the evening slot.
Whilst the change shouldn't affect the travel plans of supporters who are based in the capital, the rearranged kick-off time doesn't necessarily help the Gunners' Brazilian contingent, in particular, because of the 16 senior players - currently at the club - selected for international duty, there's no denying that Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have the longest trips.
With Brazil back in action against Argentina in the early hours on Wednesday morning (UK time) it's safe to assume the aforementioned trio will be among the final batch of Arsenal players to return from international duty when Mikel Arteta is reunited with his squad at London Colney.
Who is Chido Obi-Martin?
Arsenal may have a young superstar on their hands.
Chido Obi-Martin scored 10 (yes, TEN) goals in a win for the Gunners Under-16s against Liverpool, with Arsenal winning 14-3.
Here, we take a look at the youngster with a promising future.
Mikel Arteta sent £65m Arsenal reminder as Kai Havertz surprises in interesting new Germany role
Kai Havertz continues to divide opinions at Arsenal following his £65million move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old has registered just two goal involvements in 19 appearances for the Gunners across all competitions.
Despite struggling for form, Mikel Arteta has continued to show faith in Havertz after converting him into a midfield role - opposed to his time as a false nine at Chelsea. Speaking earlier this season about how he hopes to get the best out of the German international, Arteta said: "By trying to help him as much as possible.
"Be next to him, give him the tools, confidence and minutes to exploit his talent. There are so many parts to his game that he is doing exceptionally well and we know he has to keep improving.
"As with any player, give him support, you see a player that does what he does every single day and applies himself. If they don’t perform, it’s up to us."
Read on here.
Man City stripped of Premier League title? FFP punishments analysed as Arsenal await verdict
Who says the international break is boring? Well, the announcement of Everton's punishment after being found guilty of breaching Financial Fair Play rules means there is plenty to discuss until the return of Premier League action.
On Friday it was confirmed the Toffees have been hit with a 10-point deduction - a decision that leaves them in the relegation zone but still above Burnley in the table by virtue of a superior goal difference - although the Merseyside outfit have announced an appeal will be launched.
Of course, the punishment has sent shockwaves throughout the English top flight, particularly some Arsenal supporters who are awaiting the outcome of Manchester City's FFP investigation as it was revealed back in February they had been charged by the Premier League with more than 100 breaches of its financial rules following a four-year investigation.
"In accordance with Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a number of alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules by Manchester City Football Club (Club) to a Commission under Premier League Rule W.3.4," the Premier League statement reads.
Arsenal and Liverpool sent Erling Haaland injury update as Man City star breaks silence
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has spoken out after suffering an injury whilst away on Norway duty during the international break. Pep Guardiola is facing a number of injury concerns ahead of the return of Premier League action.
Arsenal and Liverpool are hot on City's heels in the Premier League title race - both sat just a single point behind the reigning champions. Guardiola's side face the Reds after the international break, whilst the Gunners take on Brentford.
Mikel Arteta's side will have the chance to gain points on both City and Liverpool as their title rivals go head-to-head at the Etihad Stadium next weekend. Jurgen Klopp's side could be set to avoid the threat of Haaland with the Norwegian striker now facing a race against time to be passed fit for the huge Premier League clash.
On Thursday, the City talisman went down clutching his ankle in the penalty area during Norway's 2-0 victory over the Faroe Islands. After being treated by the national team's medical department on the pitch, he eventually was able to continue and finish the match.
The team's doctor Ola Sand then confirmed Haaland would travel to Scotland for Sunday's Euro 2024 qualifier with a view to playing. In a statement, they said: "The injury is not serious, but he is in so much pain and somewhat restricted function that the Scotland game unfortunately comes a little too early."
Now, Haaland has broken his silence and set his sights on recovering from his injury problem as quick as possible. The Norway international wrote in a post on social media: "Unfortunately, I am missing tomorrow’s game against Scotland. Wishing the boys all the best. Now treatment and trying to get back asap."
Mikel Arteta receives Martin Odegaard injury update as Arsenal return date scheduled
Mikel Arteta has been given a positive update on Martin Odegaard's fitness ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash against Brentford. The Gunners' captain has been absent with an injury since the Carabao Cup defeat against West Ham on November 1.
Odegaard has been nursing an injury recently and Arteta will hope that the Norwegian can return to action after the international break. Despite his ongoing hip problem, Odegaard's omission for the defeat against Newcastle at St James’ Park and the home Champions League win against Sevilla was as a result of an unrelated issue.
The Gunners captain took a ball to the face during a training session at London Colney in the lead up to the loss on Tyneside. Odegaard failed a fitness test ahead of the loss against Eddie Howe's side after being checked over for concussion.
football.london understands that Odegaard was put through his paces at London Colney on Tuesday and continues to be assessed, but is expected to return against Brentford. The 24-year-old was called up for Norway duty ahead of the international break before withdrawing from the squad to continue his recover at London Colney.
Norway boss Stale Solbakken has now revealed he has spoken to Odegaard and feels as though he is making real progress in his efforts to return after the break. "I've just come from a 45-minute talk with Martin," Solbakken told a press conference.
"He is getting better and better and gradually stepping up. It has been more or less three weeks without any special training, so it is important to take things step by step.
Good morning
Hello and welcome to today's Arsenal live blog.
Here's a look at the biggest stories ahead of the day...
