Martin Ødegaard
ARSNorway
Left
Dec 17, 1998
27
5'10"
150 lb
CM
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Creative Playmaker
ArsenalStarts against City
Odegaard (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Manchester City.
Analysis: Odegaard is back from his two-match absence for the major contest against City, starting in his typical midfielder role. The major concern is if he will be ready for the pace of the match, having only played four times since Feb. 7. Either way, this is solid news for the club, needing their star midfielder to close out what has been an impressive campaign.
Still trying for return
Odegaard (undisclosed) is questionable for Sunday's match against Manchester City, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "We will try again. Some players are quite close, but the turnaround is short, so we will try tomorrow to push everybody, and if they are in good condition, they will be part of us, and if not, they won't. They haven't been in the last few weeks, unfortunately."
Analysis: Odegaard has missed the past two games due to his injury and is still not yet a confirmed option, needing to try for a spot on Sunday. He will have Saturday to test his legs and train again, hopefully leading to his return in their massive match with title implications. He started in the two matches he returned in before hitting the sidelines again, potentially starting immediately if deemed fit to face City.
Absent again
Odegaard (undisclosed) is out for Wednesday's match against Sporting.
Analysis: Odegaard is not an option Wednesday, after he was unlikely to play, with the midfielder back on the sidelines due to another injury. It is unknown if he is trending towards a return for Sunday's match against City, an even bigger loss if he misses that match. Since Feb. 7, he has only been able to start two games due to injury.
Still absent, unlikely Wednesday
Odegaard (undisclosed) was not present at Arsenal's open training session Tuesday, making him unlikely to feature in Wednesday's Champions League second leg against Sporting CP, according to James Benge of CBS Sports Football.
Analysis: Odegaard had already missed Saturday's fixture against Bournemouth with an issue he picked up during the first leg, and his continued absence from training is a significant concern for Arsenal heading into what is a must-win European night. The Norwegian captain is Arsenal's most important creative presence and losing him for the second leg would be a major blow, with Kai Havertz the most likely candidate to continue operating as the number 10 in his absence. The club will hopefully provide a clearer picture on his status closer to kickoff.
Absent against Bournemouth
Odegaard (undisclosed) was left out of the matchday squad for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth due to the little niggle he suffered in Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP, according to coach Mikel Arteta, per the Daily Mail. "[Martin] is a very important player for us but he had a niggle during the midweek game and he wasn't available today."
Analysis: Odegaard had been replaced in Tuesday's UCL win over Sporting CP with coach Mikel Arteta describing the change as partly tactical and partly precautionary, but his absence from the squad against Bournemouth Saturday suggests the little niggle he suffered may be more significant than initially indicated. Kai Havertz is expected to operate as the number 10 against the Cherries in his absence, with Arsenal keeping their captain fresh for what figures to be a crucial European night on Wednesday. The club will monitor his progress over the coming days before making a final call on his availability for the second leg against the Sportinguitas.
Substitution deemed precautionary
Odegaard was dealing with a leg discomfort that forced him to be replaced in Tuesday's UCL win over Sporting CP, although manager Mikel Arteta commented that the change was "partly tactical" and also "precautionary", per Mehdi Gokal of CaughtOffside.com.
Analysis: Odegaard could avoid a serious issue, but he's unlikely to get a lot of playing time in the short term given that he has recently struggled with injuries, and there could be some risk of him suffering a new setback. If the midfielder is fit enough to appear in upcoming contests, he'll compete with Kai Havertz for a central attacking midfield spot, looking to produce offensive stats.
Subs off with injury in UCL
Odegaard was forced to exit Tuesday's Champions League clash with Sporting CP after being treated for an apparent muscular blow during the second half.
Analysis: Odegaard was somewhat involved in his team's attacks but ultimately failed to make an impact and ended up with a new fitness concern. Having struggled with a knee issue that prevented him from playing in March, the midfielder is now at risk of being sidelined again. In that case, Kai Havertz could return to the starting XI, with Eberechi Eze (calf) adding an option if he recovers before the Norwegian.
Starts, plays 61 minutes
Odegaard recorded two shots (one on target) and three chances created in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Southampton.
Analysis: Odegaard returned to play in FA Cup play Saturday, appearing in a match for the first time since Feb. 22 due to injury. Unfortunately for the midfielder, it was a rough match to return in, recording three chances created but still seeing his side lose. He will now focus on getting back up to speed for UCL and league play as his club tries not to squander another trophy.
Starting during return
Odegaard (knee) is in the starting XI for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton.
Analysis: Odegaard is in the starting XI for Saturday's FA Cup clash against Southampton after passing late fitness testing following a month out. The midfielder returns as a key piece in attack, though the staff is taking a calculated risk given his recent injury setback.
Late call for Southampton
Odegaard (knee) is questionable for Saturday's match against Southampton, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "[He is] in contention to possibly be in the squad."
Analysis: Odegaard is going to be in contention for Saturday but has no clear plan for a return, similar to the past few weeks of the midfielder's injury saga. He will face some testing to see if he can play and will hope to make the team after rest due to the international break, having last played a month ago due to the injury. Even if he is fit, there is little chance the club will risk having him in the starting XI and another injury, likely to land a bench spot and earn a few minutes, if any.
Still waiting on return
Odegaard (knee) is out for Sunday's Carabao Cup Final against Manchester City. "They couldn't make it, so I think they will still be a couple of weeks. Let's see after the international break if we have anybody back."
Analysis: Odegaard looks to be still recovering as his club takes a cautious approach, with the attacker still not an option. He will have the international break over the next week to focus on recovery, hopefully an option to play soon after. He last played in February, as the club continues to play and lead the league without their star midfielder.
Potential option for Cup final
Odegaard (knee) is a late call for Sunday's FA Cup final against Manchester City, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "We have another session, so let's see if [he] can make it."
Analysis: Odegaard will need to be tested and train ahead of Sunday's contest, with that hopefully making the midfielder an option. If he does appear, it is unknown what role he will hold in such a major match, potentially not an option for most of the match after only two appearances since the start of February. That said, a bench role will likely be his role to start if fit, working back into a starting role as minutes build up, although he will have to make the team sheet first.
Ruled out Tuesday
Odegaard (knee) is ruled out for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen and is doubtful for Sunday's Carabao Cup match against Manchester City, according to coach Mikel Arteta. "Yes, both of them are out. So we're really pushing, he really wants to try to be available, but we'll have to wait and see in the next few days when he trains with the team how he feels. We know the game that we're going to be playing in a few days again, and the more players that we have the better."
Analysis: Odegaard is ruled out for Tuesday's Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen and is doubtful for Sunday's Carabao Cup match against Manchester City due to a knee injury that has already forced him to miss five straight matches. The Norwegian will be evaluated over the coming days to monitor the progress of the injury. The midfielder has featured only twice since early February due to recurring injury issues, with Eberechi Eze expected to continue in the starting XI.
Out against Everton
Odegaard (knee) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Everton.
Analysis: Odegaard will miss Saturday's clash against Everton as he continues to deal with a knee injury that has already kept him out of the last four matches. The midfielder was considered a late call but ultimately was not fit enough to feature. Odegaard has only played twice since the start of February due to repeated injury issues, and the club may choose to remain cautious to avoid another setback, with Eberechi Eze starting in his absence.
Possibility to make Everton match
Odegaard (knee) is a late call for Saturday's match against Everton, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "We'll see, we will have to wait and see, and speak to the doctors on whether they are involved or not."
Analysis: Odegaard is still dealing with his injury, but could make a return after missing out midweek, now a late call to face the Toffees. The midfielder will then hope to end his brutal run of injuries, having only played twice since the start of February. Even if he is an option, a bench spot is likely, not wanting to risk further injury after multiple relapses this season.
Could return late March
Odegaard (knee) is still dealing with an injury and could return in late March, according to Norway manager Stale Solbakken, per Football London. "He's going to rebuild and be crucial for Arsenal in April-May and maybe late March."
Analysis: Odegaard doesn't look ready to rejoin the action for the Gunners just yet, as he's still battling a knee issue that has sidelined him for four of the last five games. The playmaker will likely need additional recovery time, with a potential return targeted for late March if everything stays on track. It's a significant setback for Arsenal, considering the captain is a locked-in starter when fully fit. In his absence, the starting XI has to be reshuffled, with Eberechi Eze or Kai Havertz to step into the number 10 role to run the attack while Odegaard remains on the sidelines.
Left on sidelines
Odegaard (knee) is out for Wednesday's match against Brighton.
Analysis: Odegaard is not yet an option despite the late call for Wednesday, with the knee injury still a lingering issue. This remains a heated point, as the medical staff continues to fail to have a key midfielder fit, missing 13 games this season due to injury. A return in Cup play could take place this weekend, although it is unknown whether they will risk him against Mansfield.
Questionable for Wednesday
Odegaard (knee) is questionable for Wednesday's match against Brighton, according to manager Mikel Aretea. "We have to wait and see how comfortable he is to do certain actions."
Analysis: Odegaard has been on the verge of a return for weeks and continues to work towards being an option, once again left as a late call. He should be subjected to some testing ahead of the match, deciding how much time he could receive, if any at all. With some doubts remaining, the midfielder will likely find the bench if deemed fit enough for the team sheet.
Not risked Sunday
Odegaard (knee) is out for Sunday's match against Chelsea, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "Unfortunately, Martin is still not feeling totally comfortable with that knee injury, and we decided not to risk him."
Analysis: Odegaard is not going to play Sunday as he is still recovering from some knee pain despite appearing off the bench in his last outing. This looks to be to preserve the player and ensure no further injury, with a busy few weeks ahead for the club. With two more games in quick succession this coming week, it is unknown if the club will push him again until fully ready, especially with massive UCL matches ahead.
Assists in return
Odegaard assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 4-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: After missing the last two matches due to a knee injury, Odegaard made his return to the pitch Sunday when he replaced Eberechi Eze in the 77th minute. He made an impact in his return as he assisted Viktor Gyokeres' goal in the 94th minute which put the icing on the cake of a dominant rivalry win. Now that he's back healthy, there's a good chance he'll return to the starting XI Sunday in the important match versus Chelsea.
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