November 22nd 2023.
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have received a major fitness boost ahead of Saturday's return to Premier League action against Brentford, with the likely return of skipper Martin Odegaard. Odegaard was spotted back in first team training on Tuesday after missing the last three games due to a combination of a hip injury and concussion, before skipping international duty with Norway.
Given the continued absence of Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe, plus the suspension of Fabio Vieira, Odegaard's availability will represent a major boost to Arteta. Speaking before the international break, Arteta was hopeful he would have his main creative spark back for the trip to Brentford.
“With Martin, again he tried his best to be available but it wasn’t possible,” Arteta said. “We need players back because at the moment we are really struggling.”
Norway boss Stale Solbakken also spoke to Odegaard prior to the Scotland game, confident the midfielder is nearing full fitness. “I’ve just come from a 45-minute talk with Martin,” Solbakken said. “He is getting better and better and gradually stepping up. It has been more or less three weeks without any special training, so it is important to take things step by step.
“Both he and Arsenal probably hope that he is available for the Brentford match.”
The Gunners face a tough challenge against Thomas Frank's Bees, who had won three games in succession before their 3-0 defeat at Anfield. Brentford have only lost once at home in the league this season, but the return of Odegaard could give Arsenal the extra edge they need to maintain their title credentials.
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