Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is optimistic over Martin Odegaard’s return for tomorrow’s Premier League clash against Fulham on the road.
The Norway international has had a fantastic season with the Gunners, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists from 25 Premier League appearances.
Odegaard was a surprise absentee in midweek against Sporting Lisbon with an illness but Arteta is hopeful that he will recover in time for the London derby.
He told Sky Sports: “I hope so. Martin was feeling better, then became a little worse so we’ll see after training today. We will know more this afternoon, we haven’t trained yet. We have a few players in contention. This afternoon, hopefully, we’ll have a clear picture of who is available and who is not.”
Meanwhile, Arteta also provided an update on Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners boss highlighted that the Brazilian is not ready yet to make his comeback for the club.
This probably means that Gabriel Martinelli will continue to lead the line with Eddie Nketiah and Leandro Trossard also nursing injuries at the moment.
Odegaard could make comeback vs Fulham
Odegaard has been hugely influential for the Gunners in the Premier League. He has 16 goal contributions this term including a key goal against Fulham at home.
Arteta will be hoping that the Gunners captain in back in time for the derby as Fulham won’t be an easy opposition, particularly at Craven Cottage.
Marco Silva’s side have exceeded expectations in their top-flight return and they are currently in the race for European qualification in seventh with 39 points.
Joao Palhinha’s suspension is a timely boost for the Gunners, but they will need to be at their best in order to secure a fifth-straight Premier League victory.
Arsenal have a quality deputy for Odegaard in Fabio Vieira, but we would ideally prefer the latter to start in the number 10 role in tomorrow’s afternoon kick-off.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
