Arsenal are hopeful Martin Odegaard will be back for next week’s huge Champions League showdown at Inter Milan.
Odegaard is progressing well in his recovery from the ankle injury he suffered last month and there is an outside chance he could even make the squad for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle.
But Arsenal are wary about rushing their captain back, especially as they have big away games at Inter and Chelsea next week.
Odegaard is itching to return and Mikel Arteta confirmed on Monday the Norwegian has been back working on the grass for a few weeks.
The midfielder is in the final stage of his recovery and how he comes through that will determine his exact return date.
Odegaard being back will be a huge boost for Arsenal, who have struggled for creativity without him.
The 25-year-old damaged his ankle ligaments playing for Norway at the start of the month and has missed 11 games, including trips to Manchester City and Tottenham.
Odegaard being in the squad for Wednesday’s clash against Inter would represent a timely return, given it is the toughest of Arsenal’s eight Champions League league phase games.
Arteta has previously expressed optimism that Odegaard would be back playing before next month’s international break.
“Hopefully yes, but we’ll have to see how he goes,” said Arteta on Monday.
Odegaard revealed last week he was “close” to a return when providing an update on his fitness.
“I’ve been out for a few weeks now, and have been working hard to get back as soon as possible,” the Arsenal captain wrote in his programme notes ahead of Sunday’s game with Liverpool.
“As I said in my notes on Tuesday, I feel like it’s close now, but although I haven’t been involved in the games lately, I feel I’ve still been able to use that time pretty well too.
“Hopefully I can come out of this period fresher and stronger and ready for the rest of the season. That’s the aim now, look at the positives and use this time in a good way. When I’m back I’m going to be feeling pretty good, I’m sure.”
