Mikel Arteta has explained why Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is absent from the squad to face Chelsea in the Premier League. The Gunners boss also explained the decision to include Kai Havertz after his recent injury issues.
Ahead of kick-off, he said: "Well, Kai trained really well and he's fit and available, and unfortunately Martin is still not feeling totally comfortable with that knee injury, and we decided not to risk him.”
The Norway international suffered the issue during a 2-2 draw against Brentford last month. He has made one cameo appearance since then with it clear the problem is still plaguing him.
Several minor injury problems this season have prevented Odegaard from building consistency with Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Havertz all having filled in.
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Shoulder and knee issues saw Odegaard complete 90 minutes just once before December with the 27-year-old missing six games and going off injured in another two.
Unfortunately for Odegaard, he has not been able to fully get over small injuries in 2026 despite registering five goal contributions over January and December.
A muscular injury saw him miss the 3-0 win over Sunderland back in early February and after coming off the bench in the following game, Odegaard picked up another knee problem.
In the aftermath, Odegaard said in his programme notes: "I picked up a bit of an injury when they scored their goal, but hopefully it’s not too bad.
"I tried to clear the ball as it came down, but instead kicked into the player a bit, and ended up over-stretching my leg, which pinched the knee. I was able to carry on, but on Friday morning it was very sore, so I was worried of course, but thankfully it looks like it’s not too bad."
Eze has benefitted in his absence with the summer signing bragging a brace in last weekend's North London Derby triumph over Tottenham.
Those three points took Arsenal five clear of Manchester City but that gap went back down to just two following Pep Guardiola's side beating Leeds United on Saturday evening.
The two title rivals play at the same time in game week 29, however, with City hosting Nottingham Forest and Arsenal making the trip to Brighton on Wednesday evening.
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