Arteta has already explained why he left Odegaard out for Newcastle game

04 November 2023 , 18:16

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Mikel Arteta has already explained Martin Odegaard's absence (Image: Sky Sports)

Martin Odegaard was left out of Arsenal's matchday squad for Saturday evening's game at Newcastle due to an ongoing hip injury.

As captain, Odegaard is a crucial member of Mikel Arteta's side and featured in all of their first nine Premier League games this season. Yet the Norway international was surprisingly left on the bench for the 5-0 home win against Sheffield United last time out.

Odegaard came on in the 80th minute of Arsenal's 3-1 defeat at West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening and scored a late consolation. Yet he was unable to take part in Saturday evening's game at St James' Park due to his problematic hip.

Arteta confirmed Odegaard is struggling with a knock after the big win against the Blades. He said: "We rested him the other day and now it is about how long we rest him and how we manage now the minutes and the rhythm he needs to be at his best. We had the opportunity to do it, we didn't use him in the end so that was a good offload for him."

Arteta would've loved to have called on his skipper at St James' Park, but he wasn't fit enough to be involved. "Martin Odegaard not fit for today's squad," wrote the Gunners on X after fans noticed he didn't make the 20-man party.

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Despite his injury, Odegaard's omission was still a surprise after Arteta confirmed he would be available for Saturday evening's game. He told reporters on Friday: "We have tried to offload him a little bit because he had a little issue that he was grumbling with.

Odegaard is struggling with a hip injury (Getty Images)

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"He felt much better in the last few days, and we gave a few minutes against West Ham which was good to see, and his contribution was really good. He will train today and if he's fine he will be ready."

Odegaard has become a fan favourite at the Emirates since arriving from Real Madrid, initially on loan, in January 2021. He was appointed as Arsenal's captain a year later at the age of just 23, such is his importance to the team.

Odegaard joins Thomas Partey (knock), Gabriel Jesus (hamstring), Jurrien Timber (knee) and Emile Smith Rowe (knee) in Arsenal's treatment room. Smith Rowe's injury is a particular blow, as he made his first league start in 530 days against Sheffield United.

Arteta added on Friday: "I think he (Smith Rowe) will be out for weeks. How many will determine in relation to how he progresses in the first few weeks especially. It’s a big blow because he was getting some momentum and some minutes and we’d started to get the Emile that we needed, but unfortunately, he’s going to be out again."

Tom Blow