Mikel Arteta revealed after the 5-0 win against Sheffield United last weekend that Odegaard had a slight knock, which football.london understands is a hip issue, but not a serious one. "We rested him the other day and now it is about how long we rest him and how we manage now the minutes and the rhythm he needs to be at his best," the Arsenal boss said.
"We had the opportunity to do it, we didn't use him in the end so that was a good offload for him," Arteta added after the Norway international was an unused substituted at the Emirates Stadium against Sheffield United. The Arsenal captain played a total of 10 minutes against the Hammers, but has now been omitted from the Gunners' matchday squad against Newcastle.
There are already a number of injury concerns at Arsenal with the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber all sidelined. Arteta admitted he had hoped one of his players could return to training this week ahead of the trip to Tyneside and it seems he may have been referring to Odegaard.
Arsenal have made just two changes from the win against Sheffield United with Gabriel Magalhaes and Takehiro Tomiyasu returning to the starting XI. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior have both dropped to the bench, but it's clear Arteta is now facing a huge concern regarding his captain.Arsenal's X (formerly known as Twitter) posted an update on Odegaard's fitness ahead of kick-off at St. James' Park. The post read, "Martin Odegaard not fit for today's squad."
The Gunners can move above their North London rivals Tottenham with a win against Newcastle this evening. However, Spurs will have the chance to return to the top of the table if they beat Chelsea on Monday night.
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