Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has confirmed he will not be fit to face Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
He spoke about the challenges his injury-hit side will encounter in what promises to be a thrilling Premier League matchup.
Odegaard has been sidelined since August 31 due to a serious ankle injury sustained while on international duty with Norway last month.
His absence is part of a broader injury crisis for Arsenal, with seven players either out or doubtful for the visit of Arne Slot’s table-topping Reds.
Since taking over from the legendary Jurgen Klopp this summer, Slot has led Liverpool to an impressive record, achieving seven wins from eight league matches and 11 victories from 12 games across all competitions.
A win for the Reds on Sunday would extend their lead at the top of the table to seven points over third-placed Arsenal, whose unbeaten start to the league campaign ended last weekend with a 2-0 loss at Bournemouth following the red card issued to star center-back William Saliba.
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.”
He added: “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.
“To be honest my days haven’t been much different to before. I am still at the training ground every day, and they are long days as well. I’m usually pretty tired afterwards because I’ve been doing a lot of work with the great medical and fitness team we have, and I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym as well.
“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.”
Arsenal will be without William Saliba for the upcoming match against Liverpool due to suspension.
Additionally, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are both sidelined with injuries.
There are also significant doubts regarding fellow defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.
Meanwhile, key winger Bukayo Saka faces a battle to regain fitness in time for the game.
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