Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard has provided an update on his fitness ahead of the North London Derby. The Gunners will host arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates in the Premier League on Sunday, November 23.
Odegaard suffered a couple of shoulder injuries early in this season. He then returned in the Gunners' 2-0 win over Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League on October 1. However, he suffered a knee injury in the next game against West Ham United, as they won 2-0.
The Norwegian midfielder has missed Arsenal's seven games across competitions since then. Ahead of Norway's clash against Italy in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on November 16, he told TV2 about his fitness:
"It’s moving forward. The match today came a little too early… But it’s starting to look better, so hopefully I’ll be back soon."
Odegaard has made seven appearances across competitions and provided two assists. He has been a key player for Arsenal since arriving initially on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021. The move was made permanent that summer, and he's registered 41 goals and 40 assists in 205 games for the Gunners.
Arsenal sweating over Gabriel Magalhaes' fitness after injury scare during national duty
Gabriel Magalhaes went down in around 60th minute in Brazil's friendly clash against Senegal on Saturday, November 15. He received some treatment on the pitch before being subbed off as the Selecao won 2-0.
The extent of Gabriel's injury is unknown, but he won't take part in Brazil's next friendly against Tunisia on Tuesday, November 18. The Brazilian Football Confederation put out a statement that read:
"Gabriel Magalhaes will not travel with the team for the game against Tunisia. The defender left the field yesterday after feeling pain in the adductor muscle of his right thigh.
"Arsenal player Gabriel Magalhaes was re-evaluated this Sunday (November 16) and underwent imaging tests that revealed a muscle injury in his right thigh. Therefore, the player will not travel with the team to the match against Tunisia in Lille. No other player will be called up to replace him."
Gabriel has been a key player for Arsenal this season as they sit atop the Premier League standings. He has helped them keep seven clean sheets in 11 league games, while also contributing one goal and two assists.
Since arriving from Lille in 2020, he's made 227 appearances for the Gunners and contributed 22 goals and eight assists.