The right flank combination of Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Odegaard - which was so effective over the past two seasons - has started just four games together and three of those matches were in August.
Martin Odegaard has had a difficult season, but Arsenal need their captain to deliver more than ever right now.
Saturday’s defeat to West Ham has left the Gunners 11 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and the title feels like it is on its way to Anfield.
Odegaard has not let his own performances impact his role as captain and he is understood to have played a pivotal role in integrating youngsters Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly into the first-team environment.
It is the first of five big games for the Gunners before the March international break, with Premier League clashes against Chelsea and Manchester United alongside their Champions League last-16 tie with PSV Eindhoven.
