Mikel Arteta has backed Martin Odegaard to rediscover his best Arsenal form this season after an injury-hit campaign restricted the captain’s influence during the Gunners’ Premier League title triumph.
Odegaard managed only 16 Premier League starts last season after struggling with knee, muscle and shoulder problems, but the 27-year-old is now preparing for the new campaign in much better condition.
Arteta believes that could unlock another level from his captain.
Speaking before Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield, the Gunners boss said there remains a “big margin and a big gap” for Odegaard to improve on last season.
Martin Odegaard vs Como!
Looked really sharp when he came on! More of this pleasepic.twitter.com/BU23Rn91NF
— AFC_Adi (@AFC_Adi06) August 12, 2026
Mikel Arteta backs Martin Odegaard for Arsenal resurgence
Odegaard’s interrupted campaign made it difficult for him to reproduce the consistency that previously made him one of Arsenal’s most influential players.
Despite those problems, Arsenal still ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title.
That creates an intriguing prospect for Arteta.
If Odegaard can stay fit and return to his previous level, the champions could add another major creative weapon without needing to change personnel.
Arteta also highlighted Bukayo Saka when discussing the potential improvement available within his existing squad.
The England international had his own physical issues last season but has now returned to training alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi.
ReadArsenal reported on Friday that Saka and Rice had handed Arteta a major boost before the Manchester City showdown.
Arteta told reporters that he can see renewed desire in both Saka and Odegaard, believing Arsenal could benefit considerably if the pair achieve greater consistency.
Competition within Arsenal’s midfield has increased too.
That should place further pressure on Odegaard to produce his best football, but Arteta’s comments make clear that his captain remains central to the manager’s thinking.
Sunday’s Community Shield offers an early opportunity to demonstrate it.
Arsenal already proved last season that they can win without Odegaard being available every week. A fully fit captain could now make the champions considerably more dangerous.
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