Before Arsenal’s crucial Premier League matchup away to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, Mikel Arteta has updated the team news and injuries.
An injury report and team news have been released by Mikel Arteta before of Arsenal’s crucial Premier League match on Sunday afternoon away to Tottenham Hotspur.
The main topic of discussion was Martin Odegaard’s fitness after the Arsenal captain returned from his international assignment with an ankle injury.
The offensive midfielder hurt himself while representing Norway against Austria on Monday night. He went back to London on crutches, raising concerns that he may miss a significant amount of time recovering from his injury.
Odegaard is expected to be out for a minimum of three weeks, according to the Norwegian team physician. Arteta, though, has provided a marginally more optimistic report after seemingly leaving his captain out of Sunday’s historic NLD.
Arteta stated that additional testing is necessary for Odegaard before the complete nature of the issue can be determined, but with 48 hours remaining before the Spurs game, we’ll just have to “wait and see what happens.” Updates on Mikel Merino’s health were also given by Arteta, who stated that although the summer addition for Arsenal is healing nicely from a broken shoulder, it is still too soon to predict when the Spaniard will be ready to play.
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The Gunners were also handed a major boost after Arteta confirmed that Gabriel Jesus is back in training and should be available to face Tottenham on Sunday.
The Brazilian international has missed Arsenal’s last two games with a groin injury but looks set to return for the trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend as long as he comes through the final training session today.
Arteta also revealed that Riccardo Calafiori will be assessed at training today before a decision is made over his fitness. The defender picked up a knock on international duty so it remains to be seen whether he’ll feature against Spurs.
Arteta told reporters at his pre match press conference today:
On Odegaard
Odegaard “needs some more tests” on his ankle injury. Adds: “He is super positive about everything but we have to wait and see.” Q: You are not ruling him out of Sunday? Arteta: “Players with 48 hours are always available but let’s see what happens.” per James Olley
on Jesus
Gabi was out there. He’s got another session tomorrow and if everything goes well he’ll be with us.
on Merino
Better, it’s a slow process and it takes a while to heal. We’re using this time to make sure he understands and is back to help the team straight away.
on Calafiori
He’s another one where we’ll have to wait another day.
[per Kaya Kaynak]
While the trip to Tottenham is likely to come too soon, Arsenal will be praying that Odegaard is back quickly as he’s a vital part of Arteta’s side. With Declan Rice and Merino also out this weekend, the Gunners have limited options in midfield.
However, Jesus’ return will be a big boost as he’ll give Arsenal another option up front, which could allow Kai Havertz to drop back into midfield if Arteta wants.
Here’s a video of Arteta’s update on Odegaard via Sky Sports:
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