A recent update from Gunners had disosed that some key players in Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is making strong progress in recovering from an ankle ligament injury, bringing a timely boost for manager Mikel Arteta as the team faces a demanding fixture schedule. Odegaard, who sustained the injury while playing for Norway in September, is expected to begin training on grass this week, as reported by the Daily Mail on Tuesday.
There is some uncertainty regarding when Odegaard will be fit for selection. If he returns before the international break, scheduled after Arsenal’s match against Chelsea on November 10, he may be eligible for a call-up by Norway. Norwegian manager Stale Solbakken has expressed hope that Odegaard will be available for international duty. However, with Arsenal preparing for challenging matches against Newcastle, Inter Milan, and Chelsea, Arteta will likely prioritize the midfielder’s fitness for the club’s critical fixtures.
The timing of Odegaard’s potential return couldn’t be better, considering the importance of these upcoming games. Arsenal is hoping that he will be fully fit and available soon, although Arteta and the club will monitor his recovery carefully, as they are understandably cautious about rushing him back too quickly.
In addition to Odegaard’s recovery, Arsenal is also closely monitoring the fitness of Gabriel and Jurrien Timber, both of whom picked up knocks during the recent 2-2 draw with Liverpool. Gabriel took a knock to the knee, and while early indications suggest it may not be a serious issue, he will undergo a definitive scan to determine the extent of the injury. Timber, meanwhile, experienced tightness in his calf, which is thought to be cramp rather than a more severe problem.
Another injury concern for Arsenal is Riccardo Calafiori, who sustained a knee injury. Though the full extent is yet to be confirmed, early assessments suggest he will miss weeks rather than months.
Odegaard’s potential return, along with positive updates on Gabriel and Timber, would provide Arsenal with a much-needed lift as they approach a pivotal stretch in their season. Arteta will be eager to have his captain and other key players fit and available to strengthen the squad amid these challenging fixtures.
