When Martin Odegaard could return for Arsenal as injury expert reveals verdict
Mikel Arteta will be waiting nervously on the fitness of captain Martin Odegaard after it was revealed how long the midfielder could be out for.
Odgeaard went off with a shoulder injury against Nottingham Forest, and was not in the squad for Arsenal’s win over Athletic Bilbao.
The 26-year-old suffered an ankle injury last season which kept him out of action for two months.
Arsenal’s win against Nottingham Forest means the Gunners head into their match against Man City this weekend second in the Premier League table.
Expert reveals how long Martin Odegaard could be on the sidelines
Speaking to The Metro [18 September] injury expert Stephen Smith has “ruled out the possibility of a serious long-term injury issue such as a broken collarbone.”
Instead Odegaard seems to have suffered a “acromioclavicular ligament issue,” which could mean he is back in training before the Man City clash.
On the impact Odegaard would have felt when he injured his shoulder for a second time against Nottingham Forest, Smith said: ‘He was probably still having some minor discomfort (from when it happened the first time) but be well able to play football.
“From the commentary we have heard [from Arsenal] they are not concerned at all about that.
“Typical timelines for injuries like that, I would expect that is on the lower grade so a period of 10 to 14 days or even seven to 14 days off the back of that fall. Maybe faster if he didn’t exacerbate things too badly.”
The news will be a relief to Arteta despite his strong squad depth he now has at his disposal.
Odegaard miss would be blow vs Man City
Odegaard has yet to score or register a goal in the Premier League this season, but the midfielder brings a calmness and leadership to the Arsenal side.
In what could be a frantic and tense encounter against Man City, the experience of the big matches from Odegaard would be useful for Arteta.
| Martin Odegaard | Stats |
| Appearances | 45 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 12 |
Arteta will also be without Bukayo Saka, who in the big games can make vital contributions for Arsenal, and clashes against the likes of Man City always hinge on fine details.
Odegaard could be back though for the trip to Newcastle or the visit of Olympiacos in the Champions League in what would be a welcome return.