20 November 2023 , 04:00
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Arsenal have a number of players away on international duty and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta will be nervously waiting to have them all back uninjured.
The first fixture after the final international break of the season comes in the form of a tricky trip away at Brentford on Saturday. Arsenal currently sit third, one point off of top spot and level with second-placed Liverpool, who have scored one more than the Gunners so far.
With the January transfer window edging ever closer, speculation is rife regarding a number of potential incomings and outgoings. One key player in Aaron Ramsdale is currently on the fringes and has been linked with a move elsewhere.
Mirror Football has analysed three of the main headlines emerging out of the Emirates on Monday, November 20.
Ramsdale told to stay put
Aaron Ramsdale has been usurped in the Arsenal pecking order by David Raya (Getty Images)Aaron Ramsdale has been urged to take a leaf out of the book of Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay by staying at Arsenal and fighting for his place.
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The England international was ousted as Gunners No.1 in the early exchanges of this season by Brentford loanee David Raya. That decision has divided the opinion of Arsenal fans and pundits alike and has also led to increased speculation over Ramsdale's future.
However, former Sky Sports regular Graeme Souness has encouraged the 25-year-old to remain in north London and play his way back into the fold. "The Arsenal goalkeeper has to show what he is made of and deal with the situation in which he finds himself," the Scotsman explained.
"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. Scott McTominay, too. He was being pushed out the door at the start of the season, and now he's in the side. That's football. For Ramsdale, this a tough, mental challenge."
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Odegaard in line for injury boost
Martin Odegaard is expected to be fit for Arsenal's trip to Brentford (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is expected to return from injury in the first Premier League match after the international break.
The Gunners skipper has missed the last three club fixtures as well as international duty with Norway. The 24-year-old was last seen in action during the Carabao Cup defeat by West Ham at the beginning of the month.
Norway national team boss Stale Solbakken issued an update on Odegaard ahead of his side’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Scotland on Sunday.
"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. Both he and Arsenal probably hope that he is available for the Brentford match."
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Four Arsenal stars nearing end of deals
Jorginho's current Arsenal contract expires next summer (Getty Images)Jorginho, Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny will all be out of contract at the Emirates next June. Shot-stopper Raya's loan agreement will also end at the same time, though the Gunners can secure the Spain international on a permanent deal if they give Brentford £27million.
From Arteta's perspective, from now until the end of the season represents a defining period where he must decide if any or all of the aforementioned quartet are worth keeping around long-term. Raya is certainly the most likely to still be at the club next campaign.
Jorginho is also highly thought of and has played more football than many would have expected this season as a result of Thomas Partey's injury. Mirror Football has analysed how all four Arsenal stars could fare in their attempt to land a new deal.
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