Mikel Arteta explains why he dropped Martin Odegaard as Arsenal captain snubbed in Brighton clash

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed why he decided to drop club captain Martin Odegaard to the bench in the clash with Brighton.

The Gunners named a changed team on Saturday, with several different faces given opportunities to impress in the team.

Some changes were enforced, with Kai Havertz struggling with illness, while Jurrien Timber is suspended for the clash.

There was another surprise for Arsenal supporters though, with Martin Odegaard named on the bench for the tie.

With the club captain having been a key player for Mikel Arteta, his absence came as something of a shock, which he has explained since.

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Why Martin Odegaard is missing from Brighton vs Arsenal

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been ever-present in the team since returning from his injury early on in the season.

While there have been some struggles in those matches, the playmaker has played a big hand in some uptick in form.

To see him named on the substitutes bench is a rarity, with Mikel Arteta explaining the reason why ahead of the game.

He told Sky Sports: “They [Havertz and Odegaard] weren’t fully recovered and we have a certain issue with Martinelli so it is what it is.”

It suggests that Odegaard is available but simply rested after an illness for the clash, along with Havertz during the clash.

A fresh issue for Martinelli could come as a bit of a problem though, ahead of a big few matches in the upcoming week, which comes across all competitions.

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Arsenal upcoming fixtures

With Odegaard given some time to rest, there will be some hope that he is at his free and fluid best when he returns.

There are some big games ahead for Arsenal, with the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle, an FA Cup tie with Manchester United and then the North London Derby against Tottenham.

It could be a make-or-break period for the Gunners across the Premier League, EFL Cup and the FA Cup.

With the matches coming thick and fast too, it’s a time where rotation could be necessary for Arteta to get some positive results.