Mikel Arteta Adapts Arsenal's Approach as Martin Odegaard Injury Forces Changes

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that his team has had to adapt and be "different" in the absence of captain Martin Odegaard, who has been sidelined with an ankle injury. Odegaard has been out of action for the last six games, leaving Arteta to make adjustments to his game plan. Despite Odegaard's hard work in trying to make a comeback, Arteta could not give a definite timeline for his return. In the meantime, Leandro Trossard has stepped in for Odegaard in both Premier League matches and the recent Champions League victory against Paris Saint-Germain. The Gunners will continue to push for the title with a revamped lineup until Odegaard's return.

In a tweak to Arsenal's usual 4-2-3-1 formation, Kai Havertz has played alongside the Belgian in a two-man strike partnership.

Arsenal's ability to adapt in Odegaard's absence has helped them remain one of two unbeaten sides in the Premier League, sitting in third place just one point behind leaders Liverpool.

"We had to be different," said Arteta, whose side host winless Southampton on Saturday. "The impact Martin has in everything that we do, it was too big to try to replicate it with one player.

"We've tried to do it in a different way, adapting a few things, using players' qualities, players that can play in different positions and with the right chemistry around them.

"Maybe it took a game or two but then things started to flow a bit better. We found a way, but we still miss him."

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He added: "We don't have Martin, there are all the things that we cannot do. But as well we have a big threat in other areas and we have to make the most of them."

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(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)