Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard will be sidelined for several weeks due to a knee injury, marking another setback in a challenging season for the midfielder. Mikel Arteta, the head coach of Arsenal, confirmed this latest injury blow ahead of the team’s upcoming match against Fulham on Saturday.
Injury Details and Expected Recovery
Speaking at a press conference, Arteta stated, “It will be weeks” before Odegaard returns to action. Although a definitive timeline is not yet available, he expressed optimism about Odegaard’s recovery, noting, “He’s evolving well.” Arteta acknowledged the unfortunate sequence of injuries affecting the Norwegian this season, highlighting the midfielder’s resilience: “Very unlucky, what’s happening with him and his injuries this season, but yeah, I think he will be back in a few weeks.”
In recent matches, Odegaard had to be substituted before half-time due to recurring injuries. Arteta hinted that the player could potentially return after the next international break, but he emphasized the need to monitor Odegaard’s rehabilitation closely.
Current Player Injuries at Arsenal
Odegaard’s absence adds to Arsenal’s injury woes, as he becomes the fourth player currently unavailable due to knee issues. Other players on the treatment table include Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke. While the captain struggles with his injury, Arteta provided a glimmer of hope regarding Havertz and Madueke, mentioning they are both making progress in their recovery and moving closer to a return.
Praise for Odegaard’s Mental Fortitude
Arteta expressed admiration for Odegaard’s mental strength in facing these challenges. “I think he’s in a really good place,” Arteta commented, acknowledging the player’s disappointment in the situation. He noted that Odegaard takes proactive steps to prevent injuries, admitting that the nature of these injuries is often beyond a player’s control.
“That’s something that you have to take the weight off yourself,” Arteta said, reinforcing the need for Odegaard to maintain a positive mindset. He highlighted Odegaard’s leadership role, stating that as the captain, Odegaard is responsible for setting standards and leading by example, even from the sidelines.
Managing Player Health
In addition to Odegaard’s setback, Arteta confirmed that Martin Zubimendi and Ben White missed training to manage their workloads, easing concerns about further injuries. “We are monitoring all the players and give a specific menu to each of them to make sure that they are in the best condition,” Arteta noted.
On a brighter note for Arsenal, summer signing Piero Hincapie has resumed training. Arteta is eager to integrate him into the squad at full speed soon.
Tóm lại
Martin Odegaard’s knee injury will keep him out for weeks, adding to Arsenal’s current injury list, while Mikel Arteta remains hopeful about the team’s recovery process.
