There’s no doubt that Arsenal have seriously missed Martin Odegaard since he injured his ankle playing for Norway back in September.
Odegaard has only played three games for Arsenal this season, a player who has otherwise had an exemplary injury record.
In the Norwegian’s absence, Mikel Arteta has mostly leaned on Leandro Trossard as a number 10, even if most Arsenal fans would have liked to have seen Ethan Nwaneri used more.
Nwaneri has shown glimpses of brilliance in the Premier League, and the club’s two EFL Cup ties this season have been all about the 17-year-old.
That being said, in Odegaard’s absence, Micah Richards believes it’s a different Hale End Academy graduate who has been suffering most.
Micah Richards thinks Bukayo Saka is struggling without Martin Odegaard
Speaking on ‘The Rest is Football’ podcast, Richards thought that Bukayo Saka was being most affected by Odegaard’s absence.
The pundit explained that opposition sides are now free to triple up on the England international if they see fit, given they don’t have to worry about Odegaard to his left.
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Richards said: “I agree with that statement, you can’t just say they’re missing Odegaard, but I think he’s sometimes the link between.
“So Arsenal have got different ways of playing, really good at set pieces, they’ve got a really good defence with Gabriel and Saliba.
“And then you had Odegaard who could sort of unlock the door, and then you got the brilliance of Saka.
“And I just believe now that teams are sort of, they know Saka is ridiculous and he can go both sides, and teams are now just doubling up or trebling up.
“What would happen normally is if you double up on Saka, that there’s somewhere on the pitch free for Odegaard to make that killer pass.
“Trossard is a good player, [but] he doesn’t have the same influence, but he scores important goals.
“Martinelli is really good with his pace, running in behind, but Odegaard was the one who could see a pass from anywhere.
“And I just think when Saka’s not on it, that he’s missing his partner in there to create something.”
When will Martin Odegaard return from injury?
Fortunately for Arsenal fans, Odegaard might return to face Inter Milan on Wednesday.
At least, that’s what Martin Keown had been told recently, an away trip the Gunners would definitely like to have their captain back for.
Arteta is unlikely to rush Odegaard to start immediately, but having his presence back in the dressing room will be a big positive.
Arsenal haven’t necessarily looked like they’re playing without a leader on the pitch, but there is a lack of creativity and drive with the ball.
And having Odegaard back for some crucial games to come could be a huge difference-maker.
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