Mikel Arteta gives major update on Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal return after horrific injury

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided an important update regarding skipper Martin Odegaard's injury, as well as his recovery process.

Mikel Arteta gives major update on Martin Odegaard’s Arsenal return after horrific injury

Mikel Arteta provided an update on Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard's injury. (via Football London)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provided a major update on Martin Odegaard as well as details of his return following a horrific injury. The 25-year-old club captain was ruled out due to an injury that he sustained while playing for Norway. 

The Gunners have enjoyed a brilliant start to the new season, winning four out of their six EPL matches while also securing two back-to-back UCl wins. They most recently came off an emphatic 2-0 win over PSG, ensured by goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka. However, the club has a long list of injured players to tend to, with skipper Martin Odegaard expected to miss out for a few weeks due to an ankle injury sustained while on international duty with Norway.

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Ahead of Arsenal’s match against low-placed Southampton this weekend, manager Mikel Arteta provided an update on Odegaard’s injury. It was, however, an unconvincing one, as the Spaniard stated that he would be unable to provide a timeline for the midfielder’s return. 

The 42-year-old also stated that the former Real Madrid star has been having a tough time recovering from the injury. Despite these concerns, Arteta expressed confidence in the player to work hard and return to training as soon as possible.

It’s very difficult with Martin to say when he will be back… but he’s working so hard to be ready as soon as possible, he’s pushing.

Mikel Arteta on Martin Odegaard’s injury (H/T The Mirror)

Moreover, he highlighted the impact that Odegaard has had in the lineup, which he said has led Arsenal to be ‘different’. In his absence, however, the Gunners have fared well so far, winning crucial matches against Aston Villa, Tottenham, Leicester City, and PSG.

Mikel Arteta approves Arsenal’s plot to move for young Barcelona winger next summer

The Gunners are reportedly interested in signing 18-year-old Barcelona winger Arnau Pradas, following Mikel Arteta’s approval. The Barca under-19 star has shone for the youth side and has been a standout player under youth coach Juliano Belletti. 

Mikel Arteta approves transfer
Mikel Arteta has approved the transfer of Barcelona under-19 star Arnau Pradas to Arsenal (via Sport)

Pradas, who happens to be a left-footed winger, would be a backup for club forward Bukayo Saka, who has handled immense pressure over the past few seasons. He most recently starred for the Barca youth side in the UEFA Youth League, against Young Boys, Damm, and Monaco. A young La Masia product, Pradas hopes to follow the likes of Lamine Yamal, Hector Fort, and Marc Guiu. 

With his contract set to expire at the end of the 2024–25 season, Arsenal would be hoping to snap him up for a cheap transfer fee. However, the move remains difficult owing to Barca’s policy of binding their young players.