Arsenal star provides concerning injury update, ‘it is hard to say a date’ for return
Mikel Arteta has been a handed a potential blow in one stars recovery from injury, with a date to return to the starting XI unknown.
Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace currently has them top of the Premier League table with a four point margin over second placed Bournemouth.
What could prove to be a pivotal win though came at a cost, with William Saliba substituted at half-time against Crystal Palace, alongside fellow stars picking up knocks.
Arteta addressed the issue of squad depth in the summer transfer window, but injuries will still concern the Spaniard in his title ambitions.
Martin Odegaard comeback date unknown
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard picked up a shoulder injury against Nottingham Forest, and made a brief return to action before an issue in his knee forced him off against West Ham.
Odegaard has missed the last four matches, with Eberechi Eze deputising in the number 10 role, which he did to great affect by scoring the winner vs Crystal Palace.
Speaking to Arsenal, [29 October], Odegaard provided supporters with an update on when he may return.
“It is tricky with this type of injury because especially being my left foot depends how it goes when I get back on the pitch,” Odegaard said.
“Sometimes it can be quite sore you know when you start passing the ball and shooting and all these things so it is hard to say a date at the moment.
“It is going really well, I am progressing really well but we will know more or less when I start getting back on the pitch. If that goes really well then it can be quick.
“I am there every day around the team, I’m in the meetings, I’m at the games so I’m definitely around but in a different way I would say. Just see if the team needs anything so just trying to make the most out of it.“
The Gunners have four games before the November international break, where afterwards the crowded festive calendar will come into play.
Eberechi Eze provides perfect Odegaard replacement
In previous seasons, such a blow to the starting XI would have Arsenal frantically trying to get Odegaard back fit as soon as possible.
Whilst Arteta will want Odegaard back available, having Eze at the club now means that Odegaard does not need to rush back.
| Stats/Player | Martin Odegaard | Eberechi Eze |
| Minutes Played | 204 | 547 |
| Chances Created | 3 | 4 |
| Accurate Passes per 90 | 48.1 | 27.5 |
| Successful Dribbles per 90 | 1.32 | 1.65 |
Eze has the same creative influence as Odegaard and showed his technical skills with a sublime strike versus Crystal Palace.
With Ethan Nwaneri also a possible option, Arteta has enough to cope without Odegaard for the short-term.