Why Martin Odegaard missed Arsenal’s clash with Wolves

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Arsenal’s meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux is a must-win, otherwise Mikel Arteta’s side could be cut too far adrift from leaders Liverpool.

Dinamo Zagreb were comfortably beaten by Arsenal in midweek, in a result that all but secured the Gunners’ place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

However, the North Londoners’ state of affairs in the league isn’t as rosy, as the Merseysiders sit six points above them with a game in hand.

Arsenal will have to be at their best to beat a Wolves side that are desperately fighting to avoid relegation, although they’ll have to do so without one of their star men – after it was confirmed that captain Martin Odegaard would miss the game.

Martin Odegaard not in Arsenal squad to face Wolves

Odegaard has been criticised in recent weeks for some below-par performances.

The Norwegian is evidently still suffering from an ankle injury that kept him out for over two months earlier in the season, as he’s failed to hit the heights he previously had been.

In need of a rest, Odegaard has now been granted that, albeit not in the manner he would’ve hoped.

The creative midfielder reportedly missed out through illness, and Ethan Nwaneri has stepped up to fill in for the skipper.

Arsenal fans will no doubt be glad that the issue isn’t injury-related, although many will be fearing the impact Odegaard’s absence could have on the Gunners.

Arsenal team news vs Wolves

Odeegard’s injury leaves a gaping hole in regard to creativity in Arsenal’s midfield, although Arteta believes 17-year-old Nwaneri can fill it.

Nwaneri impressed fans with his cameo performance against Zagreb, and thus the Arsenal faithful will be excited to see what he can produce against Premier League opposition.

Meanwhile, William Saliba and Myles Lewis-Skelly return to the starting eleven after both missing Wednesday night’s Champions League game.

Gabriel Martinelli switches to the right-wing after excelling on the left against Zagreb, with Leandro Trossard coming back into the side to replace Raheem Sterling.