Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard could return earlier than expected after suffering an ankle injury during last month’s international break.
The 25-year-old missed crucial matches against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, but Mikel Arteta’s side managed to stay unbeaten this season.
They are playing well in the Premier League, but the fans can sense a lack of creativity in midfield due to the absence of their star captain.
Rumours on social media hinted that Odegaard won’t return at least until December and that the injury is worse than first feared.
Odegaard return date
However, Chris Wheatley has provided a huge relief to the fans, revealing that he has been told the Norwegiam will return next month. He also stated that the club is taking all necessary precautions to make sure the injury doesn’t relapse in the future.
Speaking to Shots TV, he said:
“With Odegaard there were some reports on social media that he’d be out much longer than expected, December is what some accounts were suggesting.”
“That is not what we are expecting. We’re expecting him to be back in and around November.Some were expecting, including myself, him to be back a bit sooner, but Arsenal are handling this very carefully, they don’t want any reoccurrence of the injury.”
“It looks like Odegaard will be back fairly soon, in the next few weeks. December, as people were saying, is not what is expected.”
Arteta was also asked about his player’s expected return date, but the manager preferred to remain tight-lipped. It has been a long time since the fans last witnessed Odegaard lead the team at the Emirates.
The English giants are slowly welcoming their injured players back after a long hiatus. But they need to be careful not to expose their body to early stress.
The Norwegian is crucial to the Gunners
The former Real Madrid star injects passion and energy when he is on the field. The club will benefit from his leadership skills at a time when they will face some tricky fixtures.
Problem is, without one of Odegaard or Saka, the attack is completely new. Sterling clearly not up to standard physically in our style of play. No real creative mind in midfield. Trossard back from international duty without rest is our best creative outlet. https://t.co/1ywopQA4tz
— gooner254 (@AFC_254) October 19, 2024
The attacking midfielder back is unlikely to return for the Gunner’s clash against Inter Milan and Chelsea in November. But he will be in contention to face West Ham and Manchester United in five weeks time.
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Arsenal have managed their injury list pretty well due to their excellent squad depth. Odegaard’s return to fitness will further provide more options in the middle. For now, the Spanish boss will continue to stick with Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, Declan Rice, and Thomas Partey in midfield.
