Odegaard
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Odegaard aggravated a shoulder injury during the Gunners’ 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Arsenal captain was forced off in the first half after landing awkwardly following a collision involving Morgan Gibbs-White and teammate Jurrien Timber. Youngster Ethan Nwaneri came on to replace him.
Arteta’s side were already without Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, but they cruised to a comfortable win thanks to a brace from Martin Zubimendi and a third goal of the season for summer signing Viktor Gyokeres.
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Odegaard has a history of shoulder problems, having picked up a similar issue in Arsenal’s second league match of the season against Leeds in August. On that occasion, he returned quickly, featuring as a substitute against Liverpool the following week before joining up with Norway during the international break.
Martin Odegaard injury
Martin Odegaard injured his shoulder against Nottingham Forest on Saturday (Image credit: Getty Images)
Speaking after the game, Arteta admitted Saturday’s setback was linked to the same shoulder but expressed hope the injury is not serious.
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“It is a very similar injury,” Arteta said. “He wasn’t comfortable to continue. He played two games for Norway and he wasn’t able to carry on today. We have to assess him with the doctors but I am sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday.”
Asked whether surgery might be required, the Spaniard played down those concerns. “No, I don’t think so. I’m not the expert but the medical staff were not concerned at that level at all. The last time, within a few days, he was able to manage the pain. But I don’t know the extent of today.”
Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign against Athletic Club on Tuesday before hosting Manchester City in a top-of-the-table clash next Sunday.
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