Martin Odegaard’s expected return date for Arsenal following omission vs Sheffield United

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Mikel Arteta made an unexpected change as Martin Odegaard dropped to the bench at the weekend, as Arsenal beat Sheffield United 5-0.

The Arsenal captain had appeared in every Premier League game this season, but found himself on the bench as Arteta made five changes from the side that won in Sevilla on Tuesday.

Arteta later revealed that Odegaard had been playing through an uncomfortable knock, and with Arsenal winning so comfortably, the Spaniard elected not to bring Odegaard on at the Emirates, instead allowing Reiss Nelson and Mohamed Elneny rare runouts.

When could Odegaard return to action?

Football.London have now reported that Odegaard is set to return to action in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie away at West Ham, but it is still unclear whether he will start or continue on the bench.

They have reported that the 24-year-old is carrying a hip issue, but that it is not thought to be a serious problem, and his presence on the bench against Sheffield United indicated that he would have been available to come on if he was needed.

Should Odegaard play against West Ham?

The Carabao Cup is a chance for Arteta to rotate, and given that Arsenal have a tough trip to Newcastle coming up on Saturday, there is little need for Odegaard to play against West Ham.

Given his poor recent form, and the fact that Emile Smith Rowe, Kai Havertz, Fabio Vieira and Leandro Trossard are all capable of covering for him, Wednesday should be a game that Odegaard sits out, or is at least on the bench for.

He will then hopefully return to the starting XI against Newcastle, fully rested and ready to step up his performance levels at a tough ground. Arsenal will need Odegaard to be at his best to stand any chance of success this season, and the club will need to monitor his minutes carefully.