Martin Odegaard, captain of Arsenal was substituted with Kai Havertz in the Champions League quarter final against Sporting CP. It feels like it was a little bit forced change. The Norwegian leader discussed something important with manager, Mikel Arteta after the substitution.
What happened with Kai Havertz in the Sporting vs Arsenal match in Champions League?
Arsenal played against Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter final. In the Round of 16, Arsenal defeated Bayer Leverkusen and Sporting made a exciting comeback against Bodo Glimt to reach the quarters. Viktor Gyokeres returned to his former side to face them. Arsenal are considered to be one of the favourites to win the trophy.
At Estadio Jose Alvalade, the London football club was determined to take a win against the Portuguese side. The match started with Sporting trying to create chances from the very first minute. Both the sides were not clinical in their attacks and shot conversions. Arsenal’s striker Gyokeres was not up to the mark. Sporting missed two big chances by hitting the cross bars.
In the 70th minute, Kai Havertz was brought on the field in place of captain Martin Odegaard. In the 90+1 minute, Havertz scored the winner from a very clever pass from Gabriel Martinelli. The pass was from the left side of the pitch which found the German in the box and he scored.
Martin Odegaard had to come out of the pitch due to some problem. Before the substitution, he was treated on the ground. Arteta had to take him back after consulting with team physios.
READ MORE: Arsenal will face Sporting CP next as Hjulmand faces suspension
What is the situation around Martin Odegaard?
The 27-year-old was on the pitch for 70 minutes and his performance for the Gunners was not quite good. Though his passes were accurate, he could build just one big chance with two key passes. His passing accuracy was 81%, took 2 shots while loosing the ball 14 times, as per Sofascore.
According to reports, reporter Alex Howell have said that while coming out of the field, Martin had a little limp. Before Havertz’s entry, the captain got treatment from the medical professionals on the pitch. After crossing the sideline, he talked with Mikel Arteta for a long time before reaching the bench. Manager Mikel Arteta had stated that the change was a part of the tactics.
Besides that, this measure was a precautionary action for Odegaard. Recent fitness status has been very worrying for the midfielder. The limp and discussions with Arteta have given rise to several questions.
Key Statistic:
Martin Odegaard suffered injury a number of times this season, as per Transfermarkt.
Time Period Injury Matches missed
September 2025 Shoulder 3
October 2025 Knee 8
February 2026 Muscle injury and knock 4
February- March 2026 Knee 7
READ NEXT: Sporting manager points to Arsenal in Gyokeres struggles claim
Will it affect Arsenal’s quest to win the league title?
The 27-year-old had just returned to the ground after being sidelined for one month due to a knee issue. This fresh muscular problem in the first leg of quarter final has questioned his availability for the second leg. They cannot lose him for the next crucial games.
Arsenal are in the course to win the Premier League title after a long wait of more than 20 years. They are also a contender to win the Champions League this season. In the business end of the campaign, Arteta would want every thing to work in their way. Key players like Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber are already out injured.
We have seen the club to recall multiple players from the international break due to injury. In addition to that, missing their main creative playmaker Odegaard, would be devastating for them.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add Football Express as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Subhabrata Pal
Subhabrata Pal is a junior football writer who has contributed articles covering key developments in football. His work focuses on match events, player performances, and the narratives that shape discussions among fans and the wider football community. Through his contributions to Football Express, Subhabrata produced football coverage aimed at keeping readers informed about important moments, tactical trends, and evolving storylines. His writing blends clear reporting with analytical insights to deliver engaging and informative content for football enthusiasts.
Recommended for you