The Gunners captain is a massive miss for the club as they bid to topple Manchester City and end their 20-year wait for a Premier League title.
Fans are anxiously waiting on Odegaard’s return, and they got a welcome boost when he was pictured in training this week. However, he will not be fit for this weekend’s fixture against AFC Bournemouth.
In his pre-match press conference, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that the former Real Madrid star is not ready to face the Cherries.
Arteta said (via the BBC): “I think he is not going to be fit for this game. Next week will be a different story, but again, in that late stage of the rehab, where he is at the moment, he is already doing a lot of stuff.
“He needs to clear some markers – he needs to clear some things. He needs to feel comfortable, especially with the ball. I think next week will be crucial to see how close he is.”
Arsenal had several injury concerns over the international break but will be excited to get some crucial players back in action ahead of a gruelling season.
Arteta passed midfielder Thomas Partey fit enough to face Bournemouth while it is touch and go for Gabriel Martinelli, who picked up a knock on international duty for Brazil.
It is the same for Bukayo Saka, who trained without issues but will be monitored closely. Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko are close to full fitness but won’t be in the squad this weekend.
On Kai Havertz, who has been nursing a knock, Arteta said, “If he trains well today, he has a good chance to be fit and available.”
0 Comments