Mikel Arteta has been been determined to keep injury news under wraps, but Martin Odegaard has missed the memo and provided an update on his fitness.
16:10, 15 Apr 2026
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal and Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on April 11, 2026 in London, England
View 2 Images
Martin Odegaard has been nursing a knee problem(Image: Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard has provided an update on his fitness. The Arsenal captain suffered a knock during the second half of last week's 1-0 win over Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.
He made way for Kai Havertz, who fired the Gunners to victory at the José Alvalade Stadium. Shortly before Odegaard was replaced by the matchwinner, he sustained a knee problem, which required on-field medical treatment.
The Norway international was later taken off, but he didn't look to be in any discomfort. Odegaard was then also spotted moving freely following the full-time whistle, celebrating the win with his teammates.
At the weekend, the 27-year-old midfielder was left out of the matchday squad. He watched from the sidelines as Bournemouth cruised to victory at the Emirates Stadium, denting Arsenal's hopes of winning the Premier League.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Speaking to reporters at the Sobha Realty Centre on Friday afternoon, Mikel Arteta didn't provide an update on Odegaard, keeping his cards close to his chest. The Norwegian has since confirmed that he's currently nursing a knee problem.
In a column for the official club website, Odegaard said: "I had to go off during the second half of that game in Portugal last week, feeling my knee, which is why I missed the game at the weekend.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
"I caught it a little bit against Sporting, but hopefully it shouldn’t be too bad. I’m desperate to get back as soon as possible because this is the crucial period of the season, in the Premier League and Champions League."
Odegaard also reflected on the win in Lisbon and the defeat to the Cherries. The Arsenal skipper said: "We have put ourselves in a great position in this tie after our win in Portugal last week, and we know exactly what we need to do tonight.
"Of course, Saturday’s result here against Bournemouth was massively disappointing for everyone, so it’s good that this game has come around so quickly to give us the opportunity to respond."
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal is spoken to by teammate Gabriel during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Quarter-Final First Leg match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on April 07, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal
View 2 Images
Martin Odegaard suffered a knock during Arsenal's win over Sporting CP in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final(Image: Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Odegaard continued: "In football you quickly get the chance to put things right, and now we want to do it. You have to go through difficult moments in every season, so the important thing is to use that pain in a positive way to move on to the next one.
"That’s what we want to do tonight back in the Champions League – there is obviously still a lot to play for. We have worked so hard all season and we are determined to make the most of this position we are in.
"We have the opportunity to make history by reaching back-to-back Champions League semi-finals for the first time in our history, so let’s make it happen. We got a good win in Lisbon last week.
Article continues below
"It’s always tough to play away in Europe, and Sporting are very strong at home as well. In the knockout rounds, when you play home and away, it’s key to get a good result in the first game, and so for us to come back here with a win from that game was brilliant and exactly what we wanted."
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts