MARTIN ODEGAARD is available to make his debut when Arsenal host Manchester United on Saturday evening – but the Gunners may be without Kieran Tierney and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Real Madrid playmaker joined on loan for the rest of the season on Wednesday.
And the new No11 could be thrown straight in at the deep end by starting against the second-placed Red Devils at the Emirates.
Odegaard, 22, may replace fellow attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe in the No10 position after the youngster limped off on Tuesday against Southampton.
However, after only arriving a few days ago, it is possible Gunners boss Mikel Arteta may give the Norwegian a place on the bench and introduce him later in the game, especially if Smith Rowe is passed fit.
Tierney and Aubameyang missed the double header at St Mary’s.
The left-back is recovering from a calf issue while the club captain’s mother has been seriously ill and there is no pressure from Arsenal to rush him back into action.
Arteta did not confirm whether the pair would be available for the 5.30pm kick-off.
If not, that would surely see Cedric Soares and Alexandre Lacazette retain their places in the side.
Elsewhere, Bernd Leno will stay in goal with Hector Bellerin, Rob Holding and David Luiz likely to play in defence – although Gabriel Magalhaes is also an option.
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Granit Xhaka should start in midfield and will be partnered by Thomas Partey if he passes a late fitness test, otherwise it may well be Mohamed Elneny.
Bukayo Saka is a nailed-on starter following his man-of-the-match performance on Tuesday.
The winger could operate on either flank with Nicolas Pepe hopeful of keeping his spot after a goal in midweek.
Alternatively, Gabriel Martinelli may be brought back in unless Arteta gives out-of-form Willian the nod.
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