Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has not been named in the matchday squad to face Chelsea due to injury, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
The captain actually returned from injury last weekend, coming off the bench against Tottenham to provide an assist, but his time in the matchday squad was short-lived.
As Arteta announced an unchanged side from the Arsenal squad that beat Spurs 4-1, it was noticed that Odegaard did not make the bench, while Kai Havertz returned.
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Unchanged from the North London Derby!
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of kick-off against Chelsea, the Arsenal manager clarified Odegaard’s absence.
“Unfortunately, Martin is still not feeling totally comfortable with that knee injury, and we decided not to risk him.”
It’s a shame for Arsenal and the skipper, who would’ve been eager to build upon claiming his fifth assist of the Premier League season against Spurs.
Martin Odegaard misses his 16th game of the season due to injury
It’s been a very stop-start campaign for Odegaard, who, by missing out against Chelsea, records his 16th matchday absence of the season.
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The numbers are particularly frustrating for the Norwegian, who will know more than most that his form has not been as consistent as expected this term.
With just one goal in 20 Premier League appearances, the playmaker will be eager to turn things around, making yet another absence all the more disappointing.
As well as Odegaard, Ben White also misses out entirely, as he continues to nurse the issue that has kept him out since the North London Derby.
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