The original story appeared on the Arsenal Football Club website. He would have better odds if he wasn’t sidelined right now due to a knee injury. Giving an all-star golfer a break the rest of the team is having a rough season. Odegaard has already been in and out with three different injuries this year. The 24-year-old playmaker took a blow on both sides in a collision with Crysencio Summerville. This recent development is worrisome enough to make one question his readiness for this month’s pivotal matches.
Odegaard’s absence is particularly significant for Arsenal, as he has been a central figure in the team’s strategy and playmaking. Manager Mikel Arteta went on to speak about Odegaard’s significance to the team, labelling him a “capital player” for the group. With the international break looming, that is of particular concern with the Norwegian’s condition. Fans are on pins and needles waiting to hear how long it will keep him out of action.
Odegaard’s Injury History This Season
This season has already started to be a major disappointment for Odegaard, making the tactician endure three injury disasters so far. Along with his present knee injury, he dealt with two shoulder injuries in August and September. These injuries have taken a toll not just on his individual performance, but drastically changed how the team functions as a whole on the field.
The concern over the injury issues has not only contributed to questions about his fitness but spread concern for the safety of fans and management. Arteta’s reliance on Odegaard makes this latest injury even more concerning as it disrupts the flow of Arsenal’s game plan, which heavily relies on his creative abilities.
Impact on the Squad
With Odegaard now out, Arsenal need to be able to adjust on the fly. Arteta suggested that although the loss of their captain is a tough blow, they have players in position to absorb that and play a bigger role. Pairs like Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino can rotate in and cover ground that Odegaard vacates. Finally, each new player brings a fun and exciting style of play that should instantaneously make the team more competitive.
Additionally, Arsenal’s improved squad depth this season can play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of Odegaard’s injury. The new management has intentionally positioned themselves to build out the roster. This development gives the team more leeway when mapping out strategy and a player rotation in tough stretches.
Other Injury Concerns
The injury woes extend beyond Odegaard. Kai Havertz is suffering from a knee injury too, stretching Arsenal’s options up top even further. Arteta admitted that Havertz’s comeback is a long-term project. He warned that a speedy return should not be expected.
To make matters worse, Ben White missed training on Thursday, putting further doubt over his availability for fixtures in the coming period. Arteta went on to say White’s case was “very similar” to Havertz’s, suggesting issues in their respective recoveries.
Piero Hincapie is recovering quickly from a groin injury and back to training, providing a glimpse of positivity on defense. Elsewhere, Noni Madueke is recovering from a knee knock and is said to be approaching a comeback himself. Martin Zubimendi missed Thursday’s training session, deepening the injury woes for what seems like an already cobblestone stretch of bad news for Arsenal.
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