Martin Odegaard has had a frustrating season due to injuries.
The Arsenal captain has missed 22 games in all competitions, along with a few more for Norway, which is very unlike him. In previous seasons, he has been one of the most reliable players in terms of availability.
Now, there are fresh concerns after Odegaard missed training on Tuesday ahead of the clash against Sporting CP. That strongly suggests he could be ruled out again with his knee issue.
The lack of clarity from Arsenal about the extent of his injury has raised a few eyebrows, and one former Norway international has now spoken out – Steffen Iversen.
Explain your answer: Keep or sell Martin Odegaard?
Norway hero Steffen Iversen suggests Arsenal are keeping Odegaard injury details ‘secret’
Martin Odegaard has been struggling with a knee injury for several months now.
The Norway international first suffered that problem this season during a game against West Ham United. It just seemed like a knock at the time, but the problems have not gone away after several months.
Furthermore, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have remained coy about his availability and have not released the key details about their skipper’s injury.
That has led to questions about what is really going on behind the scenes.
Former Norway international Iversen believes there could be more to the situation than what is being made public.
He told Dagbladet: “It depends on what’s going on inside the knee. We on the outside don’t get to know everything. They always keep something secret.
“It could be things that aren’t good. Then he’s come back. It feels OK. And yet, it’s not quite right after all.”
Tell us, will Martin Odegaard’s return win Arsenal the league?
Arsenal need Martin Odegaard back for the Manchester City clash
Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League game against Manchester City at the Etihad is being viewed as a potential title decider.
The Gunners have lost their last three domestic games and need to respond strongly. To do that, they need their best players available.
Odegaard is arguably the most important of them all because of how he controls the game and unlocks opposition defences. He is the one who sets the tempo, both in and out of possession, and helps Arsenal function as a unit.
If Odegaard is fit and can perform at the highest level, he could make a huge difference against Pep Guardiola’s side.
For now, Arsenal fans will be hoping he recovers in time for what could be the biggest game of their season.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
