Martin Ødegaard
ARSNorway
Left
Dec 17, 1998
27
5'10"
150 lb
CM
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Creative Playmaker
ArsenalOption from bench
Odegaard (knee) is on the bench for Tuesday's match against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Odegaard is back in the side Tuesday, but not as an option from the get-go, instead picked for the bench. This is not too surprising after Eberechi Eze showed more production in the first leg, especially with Odegaard still battling injuries. However, he should return to some starting time as the Gunners attempt to close out a Premier League title.
Set for return
Odegaard (knee) is an option for Tuesday's match against Atletico Madrid, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "They are available, they are in the squad, both of them."
Analysis: Odegaard is back in the mix after he had to sit out over the weekend, with the midfielder appearing to be left out more for caution after being cleared just days later. This will give the club another threat in the attack, as he is usually the base of most of their attacks. However, with Eberechi Eze being a bit more energetic and productive as of late, it will be interesting to see if Arteta gives Exe the nod, especially with Odegaard having some concerns throughout the season.
Out against Fulham
Odegaard (knee) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Fulham.
Analysis: Odegaard has been unable to pass the testing that had left him as a late call following the injury feared during UCL play, confirming his absence for the weekend as the club prioritize his availability for Tuesday's UCL action over any unnecessary risk on Saturday. The Norwegian had been operating in Eberechi Eze's shadow since returning from his previous injury, with the latter appearing more explosive and influential in the meantime, meaning his absence from the starting lineup is unlikely to significantly disrupt the side's rhythm. His situation will be monitored closely in the coming days as Arsenal assess whether he can be ready in time for the high-stakes European fixture ahead.
Late call for Saturday
Odegaard (knee) is questionable for Saturday's match against Fulham, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "Let's see."
Analysis: Odegaard is feared to have suffered an injury in UCL play, and that leaves him needing some testing for Saturday, left as a late call. The true question is whether the club will turn to him if he is on the verge of fitness, as Eberechi Eze has seemed more explosive and influential when on the field since Odegaard's return from a previous injury. That said, with the midfielder on the verge of making the team sheet, he appears more likely to find a bench role either way, not risking him before UCL action on Tuesday.
Injury fears after UCL clash
Odegaard's fitness is a concern after his exit due to knee discomfort in Wednesday's Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid, Simon Collings of The Sun reports.
Analysis: Odegaard is expected to be assessed ahead of the next Premier League contest versus Fulham, with the extent of his injury still unclear. The midfielder has struggled with physical issues throughout the season, but he has now made three consecutive starts in all competitions. Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka should see increased outings if the Norwegian faces a new absence.
Starts 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.
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