Rio Ferdinand says he actually never thought one Arsenal player would become so ‘important’

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Arsenal have so many incredible players in their squad.

Mikel Arteta has done a remarkable job over the years to build this side. Yes, there are still a few flaws, but he has brought in several fantastic players and has improved them.

That is the reason why the Gunners have challenged for the Premier League title in each of the last two seasons, and they are expected to be in the mix the time around as well.

For that to happen, Arsenal will need to keep all their players fit, especially their most important ones.

Rio Ferdinand didn’t ‘anticipate’ Martin Odegaard’s importance at Arsenal

Martin Odegaard is one of Arsenal’s most important players.

The Norway international is the captain of the club and is always one of the first names on the team sheet. He has been magnificent since he joined them from Real Madrid, but things have not gone to plan this season.

Odegaard suffered a horrific ankle injury while away on international duty in November. He has been out of action since.

Arsenal have really missed Odegaard. Their attack is just not the same without him and there is almost no creativity in the side in his absence.

This has made many people, including Rio Ferdinand, realise that Odegaard is Arsenal’s most important player – more important than you probably imagined.

The Manchester United legend said in his latest YouTube video: “I didn’t anticipate him being this important. I think he’s a top player and he’s pivotal to what Arsenal do. I think he has probably gone down and will look like the most important player to be missed in this team, Odegaard.

“Other players you can bring in – a centre-half can stop chances here and there – but one of the hardest things to do in a gem is score goals and before that, you have to create opportunities.

“He is the tempo-maker in the team, he helps you retain the ball better than anyone else in the team and then it’s about that bit of magic at the end to create the chance.

“I keep seeing people saying, “It’s a no.9 [that Arsenal need]”. You’re not creating chances. You can have the best number nine there but you’re still not getting the ball to him.”

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta response to Martin Odegaard question now speaks volumes about Arsenal squad

When Martin Odegaard is expected to return from his injury

Odegaard hasn’t played a single minute of football for Arsenal since the end of August.

The Norway skipper has been working extremely hard to return to full fitness, and although it was reported that he had a chance to be available for the game against Newcastle, he didn’t make it.

After the defeat at St James’ Park, Martin Keown revealed that he has been told that Odegaard will be fit to face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.

That is a huge boost for the North Londoners. Arsenal have been desperate to have him back, and his return will make their attack much more dangerous than it has been in recent weeks.

It will be interesting to see if Arteta will start Odegaard right away on Wednesday.