September 13, (THEWILL) – Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, has not ruled out captain Martin Odegaard for Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, despite concerns over an ankle injury.
Odegaard sustained the injury while on international duty with Norway earlier this week, raising fears he could miss upcoming matches against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League and Manchester City in the English Premier League.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Arteta stated that further tests were needed to determine the extent of Odegaard’s injury. The Spanish manager, who recently signed a new three-year contract, emphasised Odegaard’s desire to play but stressed the importance of a proper medical assessment before making any decisions.
Arsenal face midfield challenges for the derby, with Declan Rice suspended after receiving a red card against Brighton. New signing Mikel Merino is also unavailable due to a shoulder injury. However, Arteta may have a new option in Raheem Sterling, who joined on loan from Chelsea at the transfer window’s close.
Arteta praised Sterling’s attitude since arriving at the club, noting the winger’s energy and determination to prove himself. The Manager highlighted their previous working relationship at Manchester City and expressed confidence in Sterling’s ability to contribute to the team.
In positive news for Arsenal, Gabriel Jesus has returned to training, providing a timely boost for Arteta’s squad. However, Italian defender, Riccardo Calafiori, remains doubtful for the match due to a calf injury picked up during international duty.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
