Arteta: Odegaard set for Arsenal comeback

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a positive update on captain Martin Odegaard’s recovery, revealing that the midfielder could be fit to face Liverpool next week.

Odegaard has been sidelined since early September due to an ankle injury sustained on international duty, but his return is now on the horizon.

While the Norwegian star won’t feature in Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League game against Bournemouth, Arteta said his fitness will be reassessed ahead of crucial fixtures against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League and title rivals Liverpool.

Despite Odegaard’s absence, Arsenal remains unbeaten in the league, trailing Liverpool by just one point.

“I think he’s not going to be fit for this game,” Arteta told reporters on Friday.

“Next week will be a different story, but again, in that later stage of rehab where he is at the moment, because he’s doing already a lot of the stuff, he needs to clear some markers, he needs to clear certain things, he needs to be comfortable doing things, especially with the ball.

“I think next week will be crucial to understand how close he is.”

Arteta also allayed fears over the fitness of Bukayo Saka, who was injured during England’s 2-1 defeat at home to Greece last week and missed the 3-1 win in Finland.

The Arsenal boss said a late call would be made over the fitness of the winger.

“It’s not a serious injury,” he said. “He’s evolving really well. He’s done a few things in the last two days.

“He wasn’t fit enough to play with the national team the second game but we are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon, he did some bits yesterday, so let’s see if he can make it on time.”

Arteta also had positive news on forward Kai Havertz, who was withdrawn from the Germany squad for their games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands over a knee problem.

“He had a few issues and we’ve been dealing with that,” he said. “He’s been absolutely brilliant, he has very good communication with the national team, with the manager.

“They understood the situation, we modified everything that we could do here and again if he trains well today he’s got a good chance to befit and available.”