Martin Odegaard has been sidelined with an ankle injury since September 9, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently provided an update on his captain’s recovery ahead of the Premier League clash with Newcastle.
Odegaard will not be included in Arsenal’s squad for their Saturday game at St. James’ Park. The Norwegian international picked up the injury while on international duty, and although he has made progress, he’s not yet ready to return. Since then, Odegaard has missed 11 matches, with Arteta confirming that while he’s advancing in his rehab, he’s still a little way off a full return.
Arteta’s squad also has several injury concerns. Riccardo Calafiori and Takehiro Tomiyasu are ruled out, while Ben White remains uncertain after missing recent training sessions. However, there’s hope for Gabriel Magalhaes, who sustained an injury against Liverpool last weekend. Arteta stated, “If he can complete today’s training session, he will be in the squad.”
When asked specifically about Odegaard’s recovery, Arteta added, “He’s now at the stage where he’s starting to do some work with us. We’ll see if he can manage the pain and physically handle the competition. With the effort he’s put in, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t look ready once he’s back training fully.”
Odegaard isn’t expected to be out for much longer. Norway manager Stale Solbakken shared an optimistic update last week, saying, “Everything suggests his recovery is on track, but the final steps will involve training with the team. It depends on his response, but we’re hopeful he’ll be ready soon.”
In the program notes before Arsenal’s recent Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk, Odegaard shared his determination to return: “I’ve been working hard on my recovery these past weeks, and missing big Champions League nights like this only makes me more motivated to get back soon. The ankle injury has had ups and downs, but generally, it’s getting better. I feel closer every day.”
Odegaard explained how his rehab includes gym work and training on an anti-gravity treadmill, allowing him to regain mobility without putting full weight on his ankle. “It was great to be running again,” he said. “That’s been a big help in getting back to normal movement after weeks of easing off.”
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