The Gunners captain has already missed 13 games this season through injury after Martin Odegaard suffered a knock during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Martin Odegaard’s fitness is a concern (Image: Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Arsenal are struggling with the fitness of Martin Odegaard, who was injured during Thursday’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Brentford. Gunners captain Odegaard was brought on by Mikel Arteta at half-time to replace the helpless Eberechi Eze.
The Norwegian instantly improved Arsenal’s performance and they took the lead just after the hour mark with Noni Madueke’s goal. However, Kean-Lewis-Potter and Arteta’s side were unable to find a winner, but Brentford equalized ten minutes later.
Things went from bad to worse for Arsenal after the match, with Odegaard seen limping heavily through the mixed zone and back to the team bus. The 27-year-old received the knock while trying to prevent Lewis Potter from scoring Brentford’s goal.
Odegaard’s involvement in Arsenal’s upcoming matches is currently in doubt. The Gunners face Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday, before facing Wolves on Wednesday to renew their bid for the Premier League title.
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Arsenal also missed the match with William Saliba due to illness and Kai Havertz due to a new injury. Brentford manager Keith Andrews admitted that Odegaard made a big difference when he came on, saying: “Martin Odegaard changed the dynamics (of the game) and the way they (Arsenal) played. I thought we were great in the last 30 minutes and looked like the team most likely to win.”
Arsenal legend Martin Keown also told TNT Sports: “I think without a doubt[they have improved since Odegaard came in]because I think what Odegaard brings is often overlooked. He presses high up the pitch, so Brentford couldn’t play in midfield as much as they would like.”
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Martin Odegaard came on at half-time (Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
“They (Arsenal) were having a really good moment when they scored the goal, but for me Odegaard got injured and he didn’t quite look the same player after that.”
Thursday’s result leaves Arsenal in second place, four points behind Manchester City. The Gunners can extend that lead to seven against Wolves, but City will have a game in hand.
Arsenal then play a north London derby against Tottenham before welcoming Chelsea to the Emirates. “I understand (the possibility that the difference in points could widen),” Arteta said.
“But it’s a matter of ‘what if, what if, what if’. If we had lost at Newcastle we would have been eight points behind Liverpool in October. So, ‘what if’, there are a lot of ‘what if’s in 10 months in this competition. We just have to focus on what we have to do and try to do it in the best possible way.’
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