LONDON – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that captain Martin Odegaard could be out of action until after the November international break due to a recent knee injury.
Odegaard, 26, set an unwelcome Premier League record by being substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts, the last of which was against West Ham on October 3. The Norwegian has also struggled with a recurring shoulder problem this season.
“It will be weeks. No definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well. Very unlucky, what’s happening with him and his injuries this season,” Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Fulham on Saturday.
When asked if Odegaard would return after the next international break, Arteta added, “It could be, but we’ll have to see how he progresses… It’s too early to give an answer.”
Gunners Top the League Despite Injuries
Despite Odegaard’s disrupted start and injuries to other key players including Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and William Saliba, Arsenal have stormed to the top of the Premier League. The Gunners currently lead title rivals Liverpool by one point after seven games.
Arteta Backs Striker Gyokeres
Arteta also expressed his confidence in striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has faced criticism for a recent goal drought. The 27-year-old Swede has scored just three times in 10 appearances and has not found the net in his last eight matches for club and country.
“He brings so much to the team, and watching the games back, I’m very pleased with what he’s given,” Arteta stated. “The nine that I want is a nine that when he doesn’t score for six or eight games, he can handle that. If not, you have to go somewhere else because the pressure and the expectation is going to be there.”
“I want much more of the same of what he’s doing. Once we have those opportunities, put them in. I’m sure it’s going to happen,” the manager concluded
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