Theo Walcott makes claim about Martin Odegaard after Bruno Fernandes incident vs Fulham, ‘absolutely no chance’

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Arsenal are facing an anxious wait over whether their captain Martin Odegaard will be fit enough to face Liverpool.

Odegaard was substituted during the first half of Arsenal’s convincing 5-0 victory over Leeds after the midfielder landed awkwardly on his shoulder.

Norway have selected Odegaard for their upcoming international matches in an indication that the injury is not as severe as first feared.

Despite not having his best season last time out, the 26-year-old is pivotal to Mikel Arteta’s chances of lifting the title and Theo Walcott has told Bruno Fernandes he could learn a lot from the Norwegian after his latest antics.

READ MORE: Arsenal fans all want the same change to be made to the Emirates Stadium now, it would be brilliant

Theo Walcott thinks Bruno Fernandes should follow Martin Odegaard’s example

Speaking on the latest episode of the ‘It’s Called Soccer’ podcast, former Gunners forward Walcott has slammed Manchester United captain Fernandes for his behaviour against Fulham.

Fernandes was unhappy with referee Chris Kavanagh after he bumped into him during his run up before missing a crucial penalty in the 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage.

However, Walcott has questioned the mentality of Fernandes and has claimed that a player like Odegaard would never let something so minor affect his concentration.

Walcott stated: “He needs to be stronger in that way and blank everything out because you’re playing for the biggest club in the world right now.

“And if that affects him by the referee bumping him, then they got big serious issues already. Get him off the penalty duties or something.

“Get him off the captain’s armband maybe perhaps because for me, if that was another player, do you think Ronaldo is going to do that? No, absolutely no chance.

“Do you think Odegaard at Arsenal is going to do that? Absolutely no chance.”

Bruno Fernandes has significantly more experience than Martin Odegaard in taking penalties

Whilst Walcott was referring to the mentality of Odegaard being a calm and collected character, the Norwegian cannot be held in the same conversation as Fernandes when it comes to taking penalties.

Bukayo Saka has been the Gunners’ main penalty taker in recent seasons, however, Arteta wants Gyokeres to take Arsenal’s penalties this season.

When it comes to leading by example and setting the standards to younger players in terms of attitude and commitment, there can only be one winner.

The Arsenal squad unanimously voted for Odegaard to lead the side again this season and his leadership will be sorely missed should he fail to recover in time to face Liverpool.