Arsenal lost captain Martin Odegaard to injury early on against Nottingham Forest, as he appeared to suffer another shoulder injury.
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Odegaard was forced off against Leeds United in August with a shoulder issue, but before the international break he recovered to be fit enough to come on as a sub at Liverpool.
His manager Mikel Arteta said he believes Odegaard had suffered an injury to the same shoulder he injured in August.
Martin Odegaard injury news — Latest update
However, just a few minutes into the 3-0 win at home against Forest on Saturday he fell and landed awkwardly and was getting treatment as he was holding his right shoulder.
Odegaard tried to carry on but couldn’t continue and was eventually subbed off a few minutes later.
Youngster Ethan Nwaneri replaced Odegaard and Mikel Arteta and Arsenal fans will be hoping Odegaard hasn’t seriously injured himself as it appears to be another shoulder issue.
Mikel Arteta gives update on Martin Odegaard injury
Mikel Arteta was asked about Martin Odegaard’s injury and here’s what he said to TNT Sports in the UK.
“To come off, I think it is the same shoulder he hurt last time. He was uncomfortable continue. That is a shame because he played with the national team and was feeling good. Suddenly something happened again,” Arteta said.
Asked if Odegaard will be ready to face Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League on Tuesday, Arteta wasn’t sure.
“He is certainly going to be doing everything from now on to be ready for Tuesday. I can guarantee you that. But I don’t know.”
Speaking in his post-game press conference, Arteta was asked if it was the same injury.
“Yeah, very similar. I don’t know if it’s exactly the same place, but very similar injury. He wasn’t comfortable to continue, he’s played two games with Norway, unfortunately he cannot carry on today. So we have to assess him with the doctors and see, but I’m sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday,” Arteta said.
He was also asked if Odegaard may need surgery to fix the problem that has now cropped up twice in quick succession.
“No, I don’t think that. Well, I’m not the experts, but they weren’t concerned at that level at all. The last time in a few days he was able to manage the pain, especially since it wasn’t that the injury was that bad. I don’t know the extent of two days, but hopefully, hopefully not.”
