Arsenal handed huge injury boost with Martin Odegaard on track to face Brentford
Arsenal have been handed a major boost with Martin Odegaard set to mark his return from injury in the upcoming Premier League clash against Brentford, Standard Sport reports.
The Gunners captain has missed the last three games with a hip problem but is on track to feature in Saturday’s London derby showdown against Brentford.
The Norwegian international, who also skipped national team duty, last featured in Arsenal’s 3-1 loss to West Ham United in the Carabao Cup fourth round, scoring a late consolation goal.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who has been without his captain throughout November, received a positive update from his Norwegian counterpart ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
Ahead of his side’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Scotland on Sunday, Norway manager Stale Solbakken claimed the midfielder was gradually stepping up his fitness.
Odegaard has been a prominent member of Arteta’s side and is key to the manager’s style of play, contributing five goals and an assist in 15 appearances across all competitions this season.
However, his absence, facilitated not only by a hip injury – but also by a concussion during a training incident, has forced Arteta to reconfigure his midfield set-up.
The midfielder has reportedly rejoined training at London Colney, and if all goes well, he is expected to be fit for the clash against Brentford.
In addition to Odegaard’s return, Arsenal could also welcome Gabriel Jesus back to the fold as the Brazilian striker is back in full training with the national team and could feature in the World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
Jesus has been sidelined since October 24 due to a hamstring injury he suffered in a Champions League match against Sevilla.
Both players will undoubtedly boost Arsenal’s firepower ahead of the London derby, with the Gunners keen to keep pace with league leaders Manchester City.
Arteta’s side will be keen to build on their 3-1 victory over Burnley on the eve of the international break but should be wary of a Brentford side looking to bounce back from a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.
