It seems as Arsenal fans have now been provided with a bit of clarity regarding Martin Odegaard’s injury ahead of Bayern Munich.
Mikel Arteta decided to withdraw the Norwegian in the second half at the Emirates yesterday with the game poised at 0-0.
Emile Smith Rowe entered in his place, and Jorginho also then slotted into midfield to try and regain better control for the Gunners.
Despite the scoreline being level at the time, Arsenal were suffering and it was certainly not the moment to lose your captain.
Mikel Arteta explained the substitution in the aftermath, saying that Martin Odegaard ‘felt something’ and wasn’t able to carry on.
Of course, if that wasn’t just enough of a concern in general, Arsenal also have a monumental second leg with Bayern Munich in just a few days’ time.
It would be a huge blow to lose Odegaard for such a game, a player who doesn’t have an obvious replacement in the squad.
That being said, Norwegian journalist Sebastian Pedersen has provided some good news in that regard over on X.
Martin Odegaard told Norwegian journalists he was fine after Arsenal injury scare
Arsenal simply can’t afford to be without any of their stars when they travel to the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
It feels as if playing in a block could actually suit Arsenal right now, almost going ‘back to basics’ so to speak.
And fortunately, having left the pitch in the 79th minute, there is good news about Odegaard’s injury.
Speaking on X, Pedersen assured that Odegaard told Norwegian journalists after the game that he was fine.
He said: “Martin Odegaard told VG Sporten he was fine when he met them in the elevator after the game. We’re all good.”
Although Odegaard isn’t considered the most vocal of leaders, he’s absolutely crucial to this team right now.
He leads by example, he orchestrates the press, and is often the best performer on the pitch in his individual display too.
A brilliant signing for the club, and his performance in the first 45 minutes yesterday was definitely a reason for Arsenal fans to stay positive right now.
That all being said, perhaps one player did once again prove that this Arsenal project has gone beyond him yesterday.