Martin Odegaard remains a doubt for Arsenal’s upcoming fixture against Brighton, with Mikel Arteta providing an update on the midfielder’s condition.
The Norwegian missed Arsenal’s previous match against Chelsea due to a knee injury and has featured for only 59 minutes across the club’s last seven games. His limited involvement has inevitably disrupted rhythm and continuity within the side at a critical stage of the season.
Odegaard’s absence has created an opportunity for Eberechi Eze to secure additional playing time in the Arsenal team, and there have been suggestions that the club could consider cashing in on him. Nevertheless, the immediate priority for the Gunners is to maintain momentum and continue collecting positive results. While squad rotation and competition are part of elite football, Odegaard will be eager to make a greater contribution during the run-in.
Captain’s Influence Missed
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As club captain, expectations surrounding Odegaard are naturally high. With decisive fixtures on the horizon, including the ongoing challenge posed by Manchester City, his leadership and creativity could prove pivotal. Brighton represents one of the most demanding opponents in the division, and Arsenal’s ability to break down compact defensive structures is often enhanced by Odegaard’s intelligence and vision.
The team have, at times, lacked the incisive quality he brings between the lines. While Eze offers different strengths, Odegaard’s capacity to unlock defences and dictate tempo is widely regarded as superior in that specific context.
Arteta Provides Fitness Update
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However, his availability against Brighton remains uncertain. As quoted by [Arsenal Media](https://www.arsenal.com/news/artetas-update-havertz-rice-and-odegaard), Arteta addressed the situation cautiously, stating, “We have to wait and see how comfortable he is to do certain actions.”
That measured response suggests the club will not take unnecessary risks with his recovery. Arsenal must balance the urgency of the fixture list with the long-term fitness of their captain, particularly given the demanding schedule ahead.