Martin Odegaard and Mikel Arteta disagree on Arsenal injury return as conflicting updates emerge

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The injury status of Martin Odegaard is unknown following conflicting updates from the player and Mikel Arteta during the clash with Liverpool over the weekend.

The Arsenal club captain has been out of action since the September international break, where he picked up an ankle injury while away with Norway.

Odegaard was spotted on crutches and in a protective boot at the time, with many hoping that it would merely be a precaution for the playmaker.

That wasn’t the case though as Arteta was left thinking about how to replace one of his key players for matches against Tottenham and Manchester City.

It was later revealed that Odegaard would likely be out until November, which is rapidly approaching and hints at a potential return.

That may not be the case though, with both the Arsenal star and his manager giving differing updates.

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Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard give injury update

With Odegaard nearing a date when he could return, the captain gave an update in the Arsenal programme ahead of the Liverpool game.

The playmaker hinted at a return, as he said: “I’ve been out for a few weeks now, and have been working hard to get back as soon as possible.

“As I said in my notes on Tuesday [against Shakhtar Donetsk], I feel like it’s close now, but although I haven’t been involved in the games lately, I feel I’ve still been able to use that time pretty well too.”

While the midfielder has seemingly hinted at a return in the coming weeks, his manager is less convinced about that.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the draw with Liverpool, Arteta claimed that Odegaard is still “a bit far away” from returning to action.

It has created further confusion surrounding the recovery of the Norway international, who is desperately missed at Arsenal.

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Arsenal injury latest and return dates

While Virgil van Dijk taunted Arsenal’s injury issues, there are some growing concerns surrounding the options available to Arteta.

Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber are fresh doubts once again as the side look to find some much-needed form.

They join a list that includes the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Kieran Tierney, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Odegaard.

While those five options appear to be facing an indefinite amount of time on the sidelines, there is the boost of William Saliba being available once again after serving his suspension.

It remains to be seen which key stars will play and be rested for the midweek EFL Cup clash with Preston North End.