Arsenal FC v AFC Bournemouth - Premier League
Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard was seen limping after the side’s loss to Bournemouth (Picture: Getty)
Martin Odegaard has allayed fears over his fitness ahead of the second leg of Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final with Paris Saint-Germain.
Odegaard provided the assist as Declan Rice opened the scoring in the first half of the Gunners’ disappointing 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.
But the Arsenal captain was seen hobbling at the full-time whistle, having earlier kicked the turf while attempting a shot on goal at the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta was unable to provide any clarity over Odegaard’s foot problem in his post-match presser, telling reporters: ‘I haven’t had a chance yet to speak to the doctor giving me an update on that so I don’t know.’
Subsequent reports emanating out of France indicated the midfielder was a ‘doubt’ for Arsenal’s all-important return leg with PSG on Wednesday evening.
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It’s believed Jurrien Timber is also in a race against time to feature versus the French champions after suffering a knock in the sides’ first meeting in north London.
However, it appears Arteta can breathe a sigh of relief over Odegaard’s fitness, with the Norway international playing down a potential injury in a newly released interview with NBC Sports conducted in the mixed zone.
FBL-ENG-PR-ARSENAL-BOURNEMOUTH
The Norwegian appeared in some discomfort after accidentally kicking the ground (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal Training Session
Arteta’s men trail 1-0 ahead of Wednesday’s second leg in Paris (Picture: Getty)
‘Yeah, I think it’s okay,’ Odegaard said.
‘It was just a hit so it is a bit sore but it is fine.’
Odegaard was on the receiving end of a fair amount of criticism after a largely ineffective performance in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to PSG last week.
But the Arsenal skipper reassured supporters that he and the rest of the squad would be ‘ready’ come kick-off at the Parc des Princes.
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‘I want to affect the game as much as possible and be decisive,’ he added.
‘I think that goes for all the players and we’ve shown that now in many of the games in the Champions League, that we’re ready.
‘We’re going to be ready for Wednesday night.’
Arsenal FC v Paris Saint-Germain - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg
Arsenal midfielder Partey sat out the first leg through suspension (Picture: Getty)
Odegaard is confident Thomas Partey’s return will provide a much-needed boost after the Ghanaian was forced to miss the first leg through suspension.
‘Thomas is a great player and it’s great to have him behind you,’ Odegaard continued.
‘He always gives you that protection. He’s so strong in the duels and good on the ball as well.
‘It’s going to be a nice boost for us to have him for that game.’
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Odegaard says Arsenal are hurting after three games without a win (Picture: Getty)
The former Real Madrid man hopes Arsenal are able to use the ‘frustration’ and ‘anger’ associated with their three-game winless streak to their advantage against PSG.
‘We’re frustrated and disappointed with the game [against Bournemouth],’ he went on.
‘We wanted to come here and win. We’re still playing in the league as well and it was important for us to win.
‘We have to use this in a positive way to be ready, to stick together, use that frustration and anger and give everything on Wednesday.
‘We all know what we’re playing for and we’re one game away from the final.
‘The fans have amazing all season and we’ve seen them in away games in the Champions League, how much they give us.
‘I’m grateful for that support and hopefully they bring the noise to Paris now.’
Who will win this year's Champions League?
Inter Milan
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