'Absolutely no way': Perry Groves says there's one thing Arsenal must not do against Tottenham tomorrow

09/14/2024 02:15 AM

Arsenal are gearing up to contest the North London derby away at Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

At 2pm on Sunday, Mikel Arteta's Gunners will lock horns with Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs as both sides seek to get their respective Premier League seasons back on track.

Arsenal have had several stumbling blocks in their preparations for the game in the shape of several key players being unavailable for the match.

Mikel Merino and Declan Rice are out, while Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle injury on Norway duty and remains a doubt for the trip to Tottenham.

Admittedly, Mikel Arteta has not ruled Odegaard out completely, telling football.london that the club and the player “have to wait and see”.

However, talkSPORT pundit Perry Groves has made his feelings very clear on the possibility of Odegaard taking to the pitch against Spurs.

Perry Groves says ‘no chance’ Martin Odegaard should start for Arsenal at Tottenham

Groves believes Odegaard should not be in the Arsenal matchday squad for the North London derby due to the risk of aggravating his injury.

"These are like proper thoroughbred racehorses now,” the former Highbury ace said on talkSPORT (13/9/2024, 8:13am).

“If there is any doubt whatsoever with the Man City game coming up the following weekend, then there is no chance that you take that risk with Martin Odegaard. Absolutely no way."

READ MORE: The 'magician' likely to make rare start for Arsenal against Tottenham

Odegaard needs to be rested ahead of Manchester City clash next weekend

As good as it would be to have Odegaard back against Tottenham, it’s important not to rush him back and risk aggravating his injury.

With Arsenal facing Manchester City in a must-win league game for the Gunners next weekend, there’s a very logical decision on the cards.

Odegaard needs to be rested against Spurs in hope that he can return closer to 100 percent against Pep Guardiola’s side.