Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that captain Martin Odegaard will miss several weeks of action with a knee injury.
Odegaard, 26, has endured an injury-blighted campaign so far, even breaking an unwanted record in the process.
The Norwegian became the first player be substituted before halftime in three consecutive starts in English Premier League’s history, following first half substitution against Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and West Ham United.
The Gunners face London rivals Fulham on Saturday, but Arteta has revealed that the 26-year-old is ruled out of that clash.
“It will be weeks [out], no definite date for his return but he is evolving well”, the Arsenal coach revealed.
“Very unlucky what is happening with him and his injuries this season but I think he will be back in a few weeks. It could be but we will have to see how he progresses, how the knee is healing. It is too early to give an answer.
“I think he is in a really good place. Obviously he is disappointed how it happened. The good thing is he does everything he possibly can to prevent injuries.”
Odegaard has been one of the most consistent performers for Arsenal in the past three seasons.
However, the Gunners strengthened their squad in the summer and have several options to replace their captain.
Summer arrival Eberechi Eze can feature prominently in the role, while the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino can also play in the position.
“The injuries that he had, they are very, very difficult to prevent so that is something you [take the] weight off yourself. And that’s it. And then, he cannot afford to be in a different mindset”, Arteta added.
“He is the captain, he needs to drive the standards, he needs to be the example, he needs to bring the energy next to that. That’s it.
When you don’t have an option, if you are a Dad, you have to look after your kids, that’s it. You are good, you are tired, you have to be there. That’s his responsibility in the team”, he concluded.
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