Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has given Mikel Arteta a huge boost ahead of the return of Premier League action this weekend. The 24-year-old completed the full 90 minutes of Norway's Euro 2024 qualifier clash against Georgia just days after being the victim of a horror tackle from Man City and Spain midfielder Rodri.
The Gunners currently sit eight points clear of title rivals Manchester City at the top of the table, with an extra game played, putting the title race firmly in their hands. Poor results and injuries may be one of the only things able to derail the campaign now, though the latter is becoming a concern with the volume of games before the end of May.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is confirmed to be missing the rest of the season, while Mikel Arteta will be sweating over the fitness of William Saliba after a back concern. An injury to Odegaard could threaten to completely derail the Gunners' title challenge heading into the final 10 games of the season given his importance to the team.
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The Norwegian playmaker was left fuming with referee Benoit Bastien after being wiped out by Rodri, while Gunners fans were concerned for their captain's fitness. With 10 games remaining in their Premier League season - including a trip to City's Etihad Stadium in April - Mikel Arteta's side will need everyone available and on form.
Discussing the clash after, Odegaard told TV2: "He’s coming with his studs right on my ankle. But I’m sure I’ll get punished [if I say anymore].
"I don’t bother saying anything else about the referee. It’s better not to say anything."
Arteta may not have to worry about Odegaard's fitness though as the midfielder completed the full 90 minutes during Norway's 1-1 draw against Georgia on Tuesday night. The Gunners take on Leeds United this weekend as they aim to maintain their eight point lead at the top of the Premier League table, but they may be without Thomas Partey after he was left out of Ghana's African Cup of Nations qualification clash against Angola as a 'precaution'.
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