BREAKING: Both William Saliba and Ødegaard available to play Liverpool today, Arteta reveals during pre match conference today – congratulations Arsenal fans
BREAKING: Both William Saliba and Ødegaard available to play Liverpool today, Arteta reveals during pre match conference today – congratulations Arsenal fans
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard believes he is “close” to a return from injury with the midfielder now engaging in prolonged gym work.
The playmaker – who sustained his ligament setback while playing for Norway in September – has now missed the club’s last 11 matches and will sit out Sunday’s home match with Liverpool. Arsenal, meanwhile, have William Saliba banned following his red card at Bournemouth with Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber all doubts
Odegaard’s expected return date has not been specified, but Norway boss Stale Solbakken said this week that he has “a legitimate hope that he is ready” for November’s internationals. And the player himself feels like he’s making good progress on the road to recovery.
Writing on his programme notes for Sunday’s fixture with Liverpool, the 25-year-old said: “I’ve been out for a few weeks now, and have been working hard to get back as soon as possible.
“As I said in my notes on Tuesday, I feel like it’s close now but, although I haven’t been involved in games lately, I feel I’ve still been able to use that time pretty well, too.
“To be honest my days haven’t been much different to before. I’m still at the training ground every day, and they are long days, as well. I’m usually pretty tired after – because I’ve been doing a lot of work with the great medical and fitness team we have and I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym, as well.”
Odegaard went on: “I’ve wanted to stay involved with what’s happening too, so I’ve been going to the preparation meetings and have been closely involved. But obviously matchdays have been different, there’s been less travelling so I’ve been able to spend more time at home, getting important rest periods, which has been good.
“Hopefully I can come out of this period fresher, and stronger, and ready for the rest of the season. That’s the aim now, look at the positives and use this time in a good way. When I’m back I’m going to be feeling pretty good, I’m sure,” the Norway captain concluded.
Arsenal are set to make late calls on Timber, Saka and Calafiori – after all three missed open training on Friday. Saka has not played since sustaining a muscle injury during England’s defeat to Greece this month while Timber has been side-lined since coming off against PSG on October 1.
