SQUAD CRISIS AHEAD OF TWO MEGA GAMES
Arsenal enter two of the most important games of the season in the midst of something of an injury crisis. Mikel Merino is out for two months, Calafiori has sustained a calf injury severe enough that he’s on his way back home, and Martin Ødegaard hobbled onto his private jet on crutches.
International football needs to be paused, and before that happens, Arsenal must be more ruthless in preventing their key players from leaving for it. City are masters at managing 'questionable' injuries just before the break, and Liverpool have been similarly shrewd in the past. Ødegaard was already carrying a knock before he left for the break, and now he could be out for a crucial part of the season.
We have to accept that for many of these players, the greatest honour is wearing their country’s shirt and getting the chance to compete on the international stage. It’s how they remind their country they exist, and it’s a unifying moment when everyone they grew up with is watching. So, there’s a balance to be struck, and if I set emotions aside… the only way to solve this problem is for clubs to unite and put a stop to the international calendar competing for attention and viewership against the club game.
Next summer, there’s an international club tournament – essentially the World Cup of clubs. It was just dropped in, and here’s how it’s structured:
- Africa: 4 CAF teams. Three via the champions pathway (CAF Champions League) and one via the ranking pathway.
- Asia: 4 AFC teams. Three via the champions pathway (AFC Champions League) and one via the ranking pathway.
- Europe: 12 UEFA teams. Four via the champions pathway (UEFA Champions League) and eight via the ranking pathway.
- North and Central America, Caribbean: 4 CONCACAF teams. All via the champions pathway (CONCACAF Champions Cup).
- Oceania: 1 OFC team. Via the ranking pathway.
- South America: 6 CONMEBOL teams. Four via the champions pathway (CONMEBOL Libertadores) and two via the ranking pathway.
- Host country: 1 team.
Note… there are a whopping 12 UEFA teams, making up 40% of the tournament. It’s essentially another Champions League. Why was it introduced? Money. Is it good for the players? No. We’re heading into a situation where the best players will be playing constantly. That’s not good for club football or international football. This battle for attention now means the Premier League is weaker this weekend because the best players aren’t available.
I’m interested to know when too much football becomes a thing? I’m an obsessive by any standard and I can’t keep up with all the games. This might not affect the Premier League, but it’s worth noting Ligue 1 couldn’t attract a TV partner after a tender. This is how it ended.
However, no offers met the LFP’s asking price of close to €1 billion for five seasons. Big factors in the lack of interest were the loss of Ligue 1’s biggest star – Kylian Mbappe – to Spanish giants Real Madrid, the recent departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar, and concerns over the uncompetitive nature of the league with Paris Saint-Germain having won 10 of the past 12 Ligue 1 titles. As a result, the LFP then opted to enter private negotiations with broadcasters.
The reserve prices for the two main packages of live Ligue 1 rights initially stood at €530 million and €270 million per season, respectively. If those prices had been reached, then the main package price would have increased incrementally by €10 million per season, while the second package would have risen by €5 million per season.
With the new season starting in mid-August, the league body was under significant pressure to resolve the situation and has now agreed a deal at half the price it was seeking, and 12.3% lower than the previous Ligue 1 contract.
Canary in the coal mine?
Back to the schedule. When does it stop? Who controls whether it does? How can we be in such a ridiculous situation after a summer of Copa America and the Euros? It’s maddening.
So, where does that leave us this weekend?
Well, we have no problem with left-sided defenders. But with Ødegaard presumed out, and the suspension of Declan Rice being upheld by the Premier League's ‘Independent’ Key Match Incidents panel, it’s looking increasingly likely that a very unpredictable side will be fielded.
I spoke on Thursday Therapy about my concern that we don’t have cover for the Norwegian. But I doubt Arteta and his team have overlooked this gap in squad depth. People are hyping Nwaneri, but in my opinion, it’s far too soon for such a wild move. Where am I looking? Saka. I’ve been banging this drum all summer, and now we might be in a squad situation that’ll allow us to make this move.
Saka could move to an inside right position, with Sterling taking on the role on the right. Arteta might see that as too disruptive, and he could opt to deploy Raheem in the number 10 role, something he’s more than capable of, especially as Saka can rotate in and out with him.
This all sounds promising, but the reality is that we’re weaker without Ødegaard, and it’s going to take a massive effort to make things work without time and coaching. Arteta is going to have next to no time with the players, which is why I’m relieved our winger is someone who is tactically smart and has performed at the highest level.
How are we going to solve this weekend - you tell me in the comments right now.