Arsenal are reportedly optimistic that captain Martin Odegaard will return from an ankle injury next week.
The 25-year-old sustained the injury while playing for Norway in early September, with manager Mikel Arteta describing it as “significant.”
However, The Standard reports that Arsenal hope Odegaard will be fit in time for their Champions League clash against Inter Milan next Wednesday.
There is also a slight chance that he could make the squad for Saturday’s Premier League match against Newcastle United, though Arsenal are cautious about bringing him back too soon.
Odegaard has been pivotal for the Gunners in recent seasons, tallying 11 goals and 11 assists in the 2023/24 campaign alone.
His presence could reignite Arsenal’s title bid, as they currently sit five points behind defending champions Manchester City.
Providing an update on his injury ahead of last weekend’s game against Liverpool, Odegaard said: “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.”
Since joining from Real Madrid in 2020/21, Odegaard has notched 35 goals and 25 assists across 156 appearances. The Norwegian’s current contract with Arsenal runs until 2028.
Third-placed Arsenal head to 12th-placed Newcastle this weekend, aiming to close the gap on league leaders City and second-placed Liverpool.
Their Champions League test against Inter Milan follows five days later.
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