Mikel Arteta reveals why Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino missed Arsenal clash with Wolves amid injury concerns

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal travel to the West Midlands to take on Wolves on Saturday afternoon without two key players.

The Gunners are in desperate need of three points after failing to beat Aston Villa at the Emirates last time out.

Dinamo Zagreb were comfortably beaten by Arsenal in midweek in the Champions League, but the North London club’s fans need a convincing win in the Premier League to boost morale.

They travel north of London for the first time since November to face relegation-threatened Wolves, but will have to do so without Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino.

Mikel Arteta clarifies Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino absences vs Wolves

When Arsenal’s team news for the trip to Molineux was released, the Gunners faithful were left immediately concerned by the absence of two figures in midfield.

Odegaard wasn’t on the teamsheet, while Merino’s name was also missing.

Instead, Thomas Partey accompanied Declan Rice and Ethan Nwaneri in midfield, prompting anxiety that the aforementioned absent two have serious injuries.

However, Arteta has reassured Arsenal fans, by clearing up that Odegaard has been ill, while Merino has a ‘knock’.

Speaking to the media, the Spaniard said: “Martin was ill this morning and we had to send him back – he was nowhere near fit to play. Mikel as well, because he got a knock and couldn’t make it yesterday for training.”

While both players will be a significant miss for the Wolves game, Arteta’s comments seem to suggest the decision not to play both players was largely cautionary.

The pair of midfielders are likely expected to return to action next week for game’s against Girona and Manchester City.

• READ MORE: Man City suffer double injury blow ahead of huge Arsenal clash which could change Mikel Arteta’s tactics

Mikel Arteta can scout transfer target Matheus Cunha against Wolves

Odegaard and Merino’s absences weren’t the only topics of discussion ahead of the game at Molineux.

Mikel Arteta has the opportunity to scout Matheus Cunha, who is said to be a primary transfer target for Arsenal this month.

The Gunners are eager to bolster their forward line in this transfer window, and are understood to be interested in prying Cunha away from Wolves.

Arteta should be closely watching and assessing the player’s performance on Saturday afternoon, with an eye to how he could fit into Arsenal’s system.

The transfer links could either motivate the Brazilian to impress his potential future employees, or act as a distraction.