Mikel Arteta admits Martin Odegaard will be doing everything he can to be available for their Champions League opener against Athletic Club on Tuesday night. The Arsenal captain was forced off during the Gunners' 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday lunchtime.
It was a negative mark on an otherwise positive 90 minutes in north London. Arteta confirmed during his post-match interview that Odegaard has suffered a recurrence of his shoulder problem, sharing what could be a key update on one of his most reliable players.
Arteta said: "I think it was the same shoulder as last time. He was too uncomfortable to continue. That's a shame because he played with the national team.
"He was feeling good and, suddenly, something happened again. He's going to be doing everything from now on to be ready for Tuesday. I guarantee that. But I don't know."
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Speaking to reporters in his post-match press conference, Arteta was pressed on Odegaard's situation. The Spaniard said: "Shoulder. Very similar, similar injury and he's played two games with Norway and unfortunately he cannot continue."
On if the Gunners captain needs surgery, Arteta said: "No, certainly not. Last time in a few days he was able to manage the pain."
Odegaard first suffered the shoulder injury during the first half of Arsenal's 5-0 win over Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium last month. The Norway international picked up the knock inside the opening quarter of an hour, when he fell awkwardly after being pulled back by Anton Stach.
He was clearly in discomfort, but he soldiered on. A few moments later, Odegaard was back on deck, seeking treatment from the club physio. The 26-year-old midfielder climbed to his feet, once again, and he was later replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.
Odegaard had a scan the following day and he was deemed fit enough to come off the bench at Anfield the following weekend. Despite doubts over his fitness, he was called up for international duty.
The Norwegian captain played 45 minutes in a 1-0 friendly win over Finland. A few days later, Odegaard played 90 minutes in an 11-1 World Cup qualifier victory against Moldova.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday evening, the Arsenal skipper claimed that he's recovered from his shoulder issue. He also insisted that the Gunners had no issue with him joining Stale Solbakken's side, despite reports suggesting there had been a disagreement.
"It hurt a lot, but now I got it under control and I feel ready," said Odegaard, as quoted by The Evening Standard. "It was never an issue [between Norway and Arsenal].
"I talk a lot with Stale Solbakken. The club obviously wanted me for Liverpool, and my only job was to get ready."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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