Martin Odegaard has confirmed he will not be fit to face Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. And the Arsenal captain has spoken of the challenges his injury-hit side will face in the Premier League match of the weekend.
Odeegaard has not played since August 31 after suffering a serious ankle injury while on Norway international duty last month and he is one of seven players either out or doubtful for the visit of Arne Slot’s table-topping Reds.
Another three points for the Reds on Sunday would put them seven clear of third-placed Arsenal, whose unbeaten start to the league campaign came to an end last weekend when they went down 2-0 at Bournemouth after star centre-back William Saliba was sent off.
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And Odegaard, writing in the Gunners’ matchday programme, said: “These are the games we love to play, I’m sure all of you are going to be really fired up and we’re expecting a top atmosphere inside the stadium.
“Our last two matches have had different challenges. Losing to Bournemouth, then showing good character in getting the job done against Shakhtar (Donetsk, in the Champions League), when we didn’t play at our best level, I know the team is determined to turn up with a huge performance, raise our level and reach our heights.
“Everyone is excited and ready to go. We want to give our best performance, and we know that will be needed against Liverpool.
“They have had a very strong start to the season of course, and are full of confidence themselves. We played against them in pre-season, and I watched their game against Chelsea last weekend, and it looks to me as though there are a few changes from how they played under Jurgen Klopp.”
Saliba is suspended for the visit of the Reds, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are injured, there are major doubts over fellow defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, while key winger Bukayo Saka also faces a fight to be fit.
And Odegaard has offered an update on his situation: “I’ve been out for a few weeks now, and have been working hard to get back as soon as possible. As I said in my notes on Tuesday, I feel like it’s close now, but although I haven’t been involved in the games lately, I feel I’ve still been able to use that time pretty well too.
“I’ve wanted to stay involved with what’s happening too, so I’ve been going to the preparation meetings and have been closely involved. But obviously matchdays have been different, there’s been less traveling so I’ve been able to spend more time at home, getting important rest periods, which has been good.
“Hopefully I can come out of this period fresher and stronger and ready for the rest of the season. That’s the aim now, look at the positives and use this time in a good way. When I’m back I’m going to be feeling pretty good, I’m sure.”
