Mikel Arteta provides update over Martin Odegaard's potential return date ahead of Southampton assignment

Mikel Arteta provides update over Martin Odegaard's potential return date ahead of Southampton assignment

Eric Munene 08:00 - 05.10.2024

Arteta provides update on Martin Odegaard's injury status ahead of Southampton trip

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared positive news regarding the fitness of captain Martin Ødegaard as the Gunners prepare for their upcoming match against Southampton.

Ødegaard has been sidelined since sustaining an ankle injury during Norway’s UEFA Nations League clash with Austria last month.

Initially, Arteta had indicated that the injury would keep the 25-year-old out for an extended period, but recent developments suggest a quicker recovery than anticipated.

In a pre-match press conference, Arteta revealed that Ødegaard has made significant progress, having recently transitioned from wearing a protective boot to walking without it.

"I expected him to still be in the boot at this stage, but he’s been working incredibly hard and feeling good,” Arteta noted. “He’s pushing himself, and it’s a positive sign.”

Despite the captain's absence, Arsenal has adapted by deploying Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard in dual false nine roles, which have yielded impressive results against top teams, including Manchester City and PSG.

However, Arteta emphasized the importance of Ødegaard's presence, stating, “The impact that Martin has in everything we do is too big to try to replicate. We still miss him a lot as he is one of the most important players for us.”

In addition to Ødegaard, Arteta provided updates on other players in the squad. Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko are confirmed to miss the Southampton match, while Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Ben White will undergo late fitness tests to determine their availability.

Meanwhile, Mikel Merino is expected to make his Premier League debut, adding another layer of intrigue to the line-up.

With Ødegaard’s return on the horizon, the Gunners are looking to build on their recent successes and maintain momentum in their campaign.

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