Odegaard’s absence has left a creative void that has once again highlighted just how important he is to Arsenal’s midfield.
Mikel Arteta ruled Odegaard out of the Newcastle clash, but there is optimism about his return. Arteta explained on Friday that while Odegaard would miss the match, his recovery is progressing well, and a return might not be far off.
Tell me you’re missing Martin Odegaard without telling me you’re missing Martin Odegaard pic.twitter.com/VZzD21SDwS
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) November 2, 2024
Odegaard’s injury recovery progress
Odegaard, who has been dealing with ankle ligament damage since playing for Norway against Austria on 9 September, has made some progress in his rehabilitation.
According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, the midfielder was scheduled to return to light training this week, though it remains uncertain when he will be fully fit to start.
Speaking ahead of the Newcastle shambles, Arteta gave an encouraging update: “Now is the stage when he will do certain work with us. Let’s see how he deals with pain, if he moves naturally enough, if he is physically now at the level that requires him to compete.
“But with the workrate and the hours he’s put in, I would be surprised that the moment he starts training with us, we don’t say that he looks ready. So hopefully soon.”
Upcoming fixtures and potential return
The games keep coming for Arsenal, with a trip to Milan to face Inter before another tough away day at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
While Odegaard was not ready for the Newcastle fixture, there remains hope that he could return to the squad in time for one of these crucial games before the next international break, with Chelsea the most likely.
Though Odegaard is back training on the grass, the club is exercising caution to ensure he’s fully ready before making his competitive return.
