The real reason behind Martin Odegaard’s absence from Arsenal squad has now emerged

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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has recently missed a number of matches through injury, but another reason for his absence has now emerged.

Following a dip in form, Mikel Arteta revealed that Odegaard had been struggling with a hip injury, and he was an unused substitute against Sheffield United.

However, after returning to score against West Ham in the Carabao Cup, Odegaard has not been seen since, with many assuming that his hip injury was the reason behind his absence.

Whilst he is continuing to struggle with his knock, his complete absence from the squad for the last three matches has now been revealed.

Martin Odegaard suffered concussion in Arsenal training

A report from The Daily Mail has now revealed that Odegaard’s main reason for not even making the bench against Newcastle, Sevilla and Burnley was that he suffered a concussion in training when taking a ball to the head.

It was a heavy blow in the build-up to Arsenal’s trip to Newcastle, and he had to sit the game out as a result of concussion protocols.

Arsenal struggled creatively in their controversial 1-0 defeat at St James’ Park, and Arteta may have lamented Odegaard’s concussion as he could have made a difference even off the bench.

The concussion protocols ruled that Odegaard had to sit out matches and training for six days and get cleared before returning, meaning that he was not in contention for the Newcastle and Sevilla matches.

Arsenal felt Odegaard’s absence

Although he was not at his best before his hip injury was revealed, Arsenal still missed their captain, particularly at Newcastle.

The Gunners swept Sevilla and Burnley away in his absence, but he could have made a crucial difference away at Eddie Howe’s side. Arsenal outshot Newcastle but had just one shot on target as they kept possession around the opposition box.

Having Odegaard on the ball in those attacking zones could have allowed him to shoot more, and potentially add to his three goals so far this season, or provide a better final ball than provided by the likes of Kai Havertz, and this may have been the difference between one point and zero at a tough ground.