Martin Odegaard (foto: Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard missed Arsenal’s FA Cup victory over Wigan after picking up a knock against Brentford, while Mikel Arteta faces more injury worries in midfield.
Martin Odegaard was left out of Arsenal’s FA Cup win against Wigan after suffering a knock in the 1-1 draw with Brentford, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed.
The Norwegian captain entered that match from the bench but was hurt during the equalising goal scored by Keane Lewis-Potter. He finished the game but could not recover in time for the cup tie.
“He picked up the knock in the action when we conceded, and he wasn’t fit for today,” Arteta said after the match.
Arsenal still progressed comfortably. Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus all scored before half-time, and an own goal from Jack Hunt completed a convincing performance.
The manager praised the attitude of his rotated side.
“The players were sharp and caused a lot of damage. In these games, desire is the most important thing,g and we showed it,” he explained.
However, the afternoon brought new concerns. Riccardo Calafiori withdrew during the warm-up and Ben White left the pitch late in the match.
“We have to wait 48 hours and see how they evolve,” Arteta said.
Arsenal already miss Kai Havertz due to a muscle injury and Mikel Merino after foot surgery. The coach admitted the balance of the squad keeps changing.
“Before it was strikers, then defenders, now midfielders. We need players back to give us options,” he added.
The timing is difficult because Arsenal aim to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League. They travel to Wolves, who sit bottom of the table, hoping to extend their advantage over Manchester City.
Arteta believes momentum from the cup win can help, but availability of key players, especially Odegaard, could influence the coming weeks.