Arsenal star Martin Odegaard has discussed his injury fortunes after the club captain took a knock against Bournemouth, making him a potential doubt to face PSG.
The playmaker has struggled as of late, but remains a key part of Mikel Arteta’s team for the biggest match of their season.
Arsenal currently trail PSG 1-0 in their Champions League semi-final tie, with a crucial second leg awaiting at the Parc des Princes.
The Gunners aren’t exactly in good form heading into it, though, with a defeat to Bournemouth coming in the Premier League over the weekend.
Injuries are now a concern for Arsenal to contend with, as Jurrien Timber was absent from the recent meeting at the Emirates Stadium.
Beyond him, there have been injury concerns for Martin Odegaard, who is now seemingly a doubt to take on PSG.
Martin Odegaard claims he is “fine” amid Arsenal injury concerns for PSG clash
Martin Odegaard has appeared as an injury doubt for Arsenal, with the midfielder taking a knock against Bournemouth that had him limping for a while.
With the Arsenal squad already looking thin, in a competition with an expanded substitution bench too, any injury could be costly, not least to the club captain.
Fortunately, though, Odegaard has seemingly allayed some fears over his injury as he spoke about the situation to NBC Sports.
Speaking in the mixed zone after defeat to Bournemouth, he said: “Yeah, I think it’s okay. It was just a hit, so it is a bit sore, but it is fine.”
It comes as a major boost to the side, with Odegaard’s influence needed in such a big match against PSG in the week ahead.
The midfielder will be looking to make a big impact, with his recent struggles making some fans question his place in the team.
Arsenal Insider understands that Arsenal have full trust in Odegaard, amid questions over his future, with the club viewing the playmaker as one of the best players in the Premier League.
Martin Odegaard fired up for Arsenal’s clash with PSG
One of the main messages coming from Arsenal management and players is the use of anger to drive them into the second leg against PSG.
Defeat to the French giants left them frustrated, but defeat to Bournemouth has clearly annoyed the team as they look to push forward.
Thankfully, they have a second leg against PSG that could fire them into the Champions League final, a huge match in the context of the season.
Speaking to the official Arsenal website on the tie, Odegaard said: “We’re disappointed now, but we have to move on and be strong and stick together and prepare for a massive game.
“It’s a massive game. That’s the good thing. When you’re disappointed now and you’re angry and frustrated, you can use all those emotions into Wednesday.
“We know what we’re playing for, it’s a massive game, we have to stick together and create energy and be ready.”
It’s a side of Odegaard many haven’t seen, but could be the key to him rediscovering some of his best form in front of goal.
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