Arteta Provides Worrying Update As Odegaard Suffers New Injury

‎Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s joy at returning to the top of the Premier League was dampened by yet another injury blow to captain Martin Ødegaard in their 2-0 victory over West Ham.

‎The Norwegian was forced off before half-time, continuing his worrying run of fitness issues. Remarkably, he became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before the break in three consecutive starts.

‎Odegaard also came off in victories against Leeds and Nottingham Forest due to a shoulder problem.

‎The 26-year-old appeared over that after his eye-catching display in the Gunners’ 2-0 Champions League win over Olympiacos in midweek.

‎But he had to be withdrawn again on the half-hour mark at the Emirates after colliding knees with West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville.

‎”I think he had a clash, knee-to-knee, and immediately he was uncomfortable. I just spoke to him and he is not positive about it,” said Arteta, who revealed Odegaard was in a knee brace after the match.

‎”We have to wait and see the extent of the injury. We will have to find solutions, but obviously, he is our captain and a player who brings a completely different dimension to our team, particularly in the attack.

‎”Let’s wait and hopefully it is not that bad.”

‎Arteta marked his 300th game in charge as Arsenal edged one point ahead of Liverpool, who were beaten at Chelsea for the third straight time.

‎”I want to thank everybody, especially my coaching staff who have been with me since day one, and without them it’s impossible, first of all, to do the job and secondly to enjoy it,” added Arteta.

‎”I wanted to celebrate it with a win, I’ve got it. Now we have an international break to enjoy it and use the time as well to prepare because what’s coming in the next break is going to be really difficult again.”