Arsenal have had to go without one of their key stars recentlyplaceholder image
Arsenal have had to go without one of their key stars recently | Getty Images
Some circles are concerned about the fitness situation of one of Arsenal’s most important players.
Concern appears to be growing in some circles over Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard and his fitness situation. The Norwegian has struggled with fitness in the second half of this season, with a recurring knee issue proving troublesome
Odegaard missed five Premier League games with a knee issue early in the season and has missed the last three with what is reportedly the same issue, and overall he has missed five of the last seven games through injury.
Last season it was an ankle issue that troubled Odegaard when he missed action, but as he has confirmed himself, the knee issue has been an issue this season. He said recently: “It has been difficult for me with the knee injury lately, but I am working as hard as I can to get back to top form.”
Over in Norway, as the national team looks ahead to a World Cup campaign, and the first in some time, concern is growing over Odegaard and whether he can stay fit for the competition, which will be very demanding on the back of a long club season.
As pointed out by SportWitness, VG pundit Vegard Aulstad said: “We have probably been a bit naive and said it’s good that the key players get rest. Now it’s time to start being concerned.”
TV 2 commentator Simen Stamsø added: “If the situation is still like this in May, then there is reason to worry.”
Odegaard will want to go into the World Cup as fit as possible, and there will be a small gap after the season for him to get right, but the question is whether he can stay fit for this crucial Arsenal run-in that could involve up to three rounds of Champions League action, up to three rounds of FA Cup action, the Carabao Cup final this weekend and the seven remaining Premier League games.
Odegaard is expected to have a chance of returning for this Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with City, but Mikel Arteta will be cautious given the important games Arsenal still have to play.
Continue Reading