Depleted Mikel Arteta will face a significant challenge.

 

Although it might seem premature to discuss pivotal times thus early in the season, Arsenal's next encounters have that appearance because of the punishingly high standards established by Manchester City.

Arsenal might find themselves eight points behind the champions if they lose their next travels to Tottenham and City, which are scheduled to be live on Sky Sports on Sunday, September 15, and Sunday, September 22, respectively. Arsenal has previously been held to a draw by Brighton.

For supporters of the club, it is a worst-case scenario that scarcely merits consideration. However, there's also the minor issue of Thursday's Champions League away match against Atalanta, which means there will be less than a 72-hour turnaround before the match at the Etihad Stadium.

It is definitely not ideal, especially considering that City plays their Champions League opener the day before, at home against Inter Milan, after hosting Brentford in the Premier League, which saves them travel time and gives them an extra day to get ready.

As if Arsenal's schedule of three important away games in seven days weren't challenging enough, they are now dealing with a midfield manpower shortage.

Declan Rice is suspended for Spurs' match against Brighton due to his controversial red card. Mikel Arteta is already without Mikel Merino, who broke his shoulder in training shortly after joining from Real Sociedad.

To his problems has been added the international break. After he turned his ankle during a Norway match on Monday, a distressed Martin Odegaard needed assistance leaving the field. Arsenal will evaluate him, although he has been seen using crutches, which may indicate a protracted layoff.

In Friday's Nations League victory against France, Riccardo Calafiori also suffered an ankle injury during the break. Nevertheless, he has already returned to London and is training to be ready for Sunday's match.

Arsenal ends an eight-game losing streak against Spurs by visiting the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium with two victories under their belt. However, if Odegaard is added to the list of unavailable players, they will be missing what may be their starting midfield as a whole.