MIKEL Arteta has described his new-found ability to rotate his starting line-up as “critical” as Arsenal go in hunt of their first Premier League title in more than two decades.

The Gunners spent north of £250m in the summer beefing up their squad, and it shows. They have been able to rest and rotate key players during a busy period juggling league, Champions League and Carabao Cup fixtures.

That strength in depth is, however, being tested with Arsenal currently picking up an injury per game. The latest was again Martin Odegaard, who claimed an unwanted record during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over West Ham when he became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts.

The Gunners skipper was forced off after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee. The hope now is that Odegaard will be sidelined for a matter of weeks, not months.

“We haven’t had him since the start of the season for one reason or the other, the shoulder twice and then this injury,” said Arteta. “We have to wait and see the extent of that injury.

“We will find solutions, but obviously our captain is a player who gives us a completely different dimension with the things that he can do.”

Even with all the set-backs, though, Arsenal still have the numbers to tackle any potential fatigue creeping into the squad. Arteta believes having the option to freshen things up is “really, really positive”.

He said: “We’re playing every three days and with the intensity that we play and the requirements of the opposition, it’s impossible to maintain the same players.

“So the ones that are coming in, they have to lift the level, the intensity; and help us to win the game. We talked about it many, many times, and in this period especially, I think it’s been really, really positive.”

Meanwhile, Arteta said he was “very proud” after recording his 300th match in charge of the Gunners against West Ham.

He added: “It is a big number for this football club. I want to thank everybody, especially my coaching staff who have been with me since day one. Without them, it’s impossible, first of all, to do the job and secondly, to enjoy it, so I know that I have the best people in the world around me.

“Also, the players and the staff that have been with me since day one, supporting, helping me to be a better coach, to learn from them, to inspire me and to enjoy the good moments as well.

“I wanted to celebrate it with a win, I’ve got it. Now we have an international break to enjoy it and use the time as well to prepare.”