Martin Keown discusses how Arsenal can manage in the absence of Declan Rice during the North London derby against Tottenham.

Martin Keown emphasizes that Arsenal’s squad members need to rise to the occasion in Declan Rice’s absence this Sunday.

The Gunners are heading straight from an international break into a crucial match of the season, as they prepare to face Tottenham in the north London derby.

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Arsenal will miss Rice, who is suspended following a controversial red card against Brighton.

Keown argues that Arsenal will have to rely on their backup players to step up in such a high-stakes match.

During a segment on White and Jordan, Keown stated: « Jorginho will need to fill that role. He brings a wealth of experience, but it can’t fall solely on him.

“In my time, we often coped without key players like Patrick Vieira or Thierry Henry, and it made no difference.

“Players like Edu or Kanu stepped in.

“A strong squad is essential, and this is where questions arise for Arsenal, especially since they’ve let go of some promising young talent to balance the finances.

“The concern is whether the squad depth is adequate.”

Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta, Rice is not the sole absentee as Arsenal prepare for the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium clash.

New signing Riccardo Calafiori sustained a freak injury during international duty with Italy, and Mikel Merino is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to a shoulder injury.

Additionally, Takehiro Tomiyasu remains unavailable for the long term, raising fitness concerns over Martin Ødegaard and Gabriel Jesus ahead of the weekend’s encounter.

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When asked how Arsenal should handle these injury setbacks, Keown replied: « The recent circumstances were quite challenging for Arsenal, but they need to put that aside.

“They must use this as motivation heading into the Spurs match, embracing the intense atmosphere and the start of a new season.

“Spurs have already faced a defeat against Newcastle, but I appreciate their current momentum. Their gameplay and the unity in the stadium are commendable, making it a tough situation for Arsenal.

“Right now, Spurs might be more focused on their own squad. The last time Arsenal visited, they aimed to disrupt Spurs’ title bid.

“With a new manager, they are developing their own culture and seeking trophies, which has been long overdue.

“We must show respect to Spurs, as it’s challenging to enter a match without your best players.

« Calafiori and Merino are also sidelined, which adds to their challenges.

“Arsenal haven’t had the luckiest start, but they must go into the cauldron and secure points.”

Since moving to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs have largely dominated their encounters.

Tottenham has secured victory in three of their last four meetings—2-1, 2-0, and 3-0—until Arsenal managed a 2-0 win in January 2023.

In their most recent matchup, Arsenal triumphed 3-2, keeping their championship hopes alive while preventing Spurs from sealing the title.

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When asked if a Spurs victory would be surprising, Keown replied: “I believe it would be, but I don’t foresee that happening.

“I still believe Arsenal has the quality—considering their defensive performance and recent clean sheets.

“Their away record suggests they possess the qualities of champions.

“I’m backing Arsenal, but they must earn every bit of success at Spurs now.”

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