Paul Merson would not select Fabio Vieira to replace Martin Odegaard for Arsenal's clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Odegaard is an injury doubt for the clash against Erik ten Hag's side after picking up a knock in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Aston Villa. The Norwegian playmaker will be a big miss if he is unavailable for the trip to Old Trafford, having begun the season in stellar form.
At his pre-match press conference on Friday, Mikel Arteta said: "Those two [Aaron Ramsdale and Odegaard] are being assessed. We will see more tomorrow. Hopefully, they will be able to train with the team."
Arteta will have a big decision to make if the 24-year-old isn't deemed fit enough to start in Manchester. There could be a potential opportunity for Emile Smith Rowe, who replaced Odegaard off the bench against Villa.
It could also represent a chance for summer signing Fabio Vieira. The Portuguese is yet to feature since signing from FC Porto in June for a fee in the region of £34 million. However, Merson wouldn't start the 22-year-old in Sunday afternoon's clash.
"If Odegaard is injured, I'd go with Emile Smith Rowe," Merson said in his Sportskeeda column.
"For Fabio Vieira to start this Premier League game is a big ask.
"Arsenal can't afford to lose, and they don't need to win this game right now – a draw should suffice."
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