There was only one question on everyone’s lips when Arsenal’s team news was announced for the game against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday – where was Ethan Nwaneri?
Mikel Arteta made three changes from the side that drew with Manchester City, with Bukayo Saka restored to the line-up after Noni Madueke’s knee injury.
Cristhian Mosquera replaced William Saliba, while Ebere Eze came in for Mikel Merino. Ødegaard, back in full training following his shoulder problems, was named on the bench alongside Saliba.
The absence of Nwaneri was striking. The 18-year-old has been a fixture in matchday squads, and travelled to Newcastle, only to find himself left off the teamsheet.
With the depth of talent available to Arteta, there will be some weeks when somebody has to miss out on the squad, especially if the club’s injury problems begin to abate.
This week, it seems it is Nwaneri’s turn after playing his first full 90 of the season against Port Vale in the Carabao Cup midweek.
With Arsenal still missing Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Piero Hincapie and Madueke through injury, he won’t be the last to miss out when they all eventually return.
There seems to be no indication that Nwaneri has picked up an injury after leaving London, but we will update if that turns out to be the case when we hear from Arteta. At the time of writing, this seems to be purely a selection issue.
Arsenal also confirmed that they will be wearing black armbands on Sunday in memory of Billy Vigar who died tragically this week.
Arsenal’s staring XI v Newcastle United: Raya, Timber, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Eze, Saka, Trossard, Gyökeres.
Arsenal bench: Kepa, White, Lewis-Skelly, Saliba, Nørgaard, Merino, Ødegaard, Dowman and Martinelli.