Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Odegaard will be out for “weeks” in what is the latest injury blow for the Arsenal captain.
Odegaard has been taken off before half-time in three consecutive Premier League starts and now faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines with a knee problem.
“It will be weeks,” Arteta said ahead of Saturday’s clash against Fulham. “There is no set date for his return, but he is progressing well. Very unfortunate what is happening with him and his injuries this season, but yes, I think he will be back in a few weeks.”
Speaking about when the Norwegian might be ready to return, Arteta added: “He could be (after the upcoming international break) but we will have to see how he progresses, how the knee heals, how he copes after the next steps in his rehabilitation, so it’s too early to give an answer.”
Odegaard was sidelined for two weeks last month with a shoulder problem and is the club’s fourth player currently sidelined with a knee injury, joining Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke on the treatment table.
Arteta provided a positive update for Havertz and Madueke, who are progressing in their rehabilitation and getting closer to returning.
While lamenting his captain’s misfortune, Arteta praised Odegaard’s mental strength in the face of the situation.
“I think he’s in a very good place,” Arteta said. “Obviously disappointed with how it happened.
“The good thing is that he does everything he can to prevent injuries. The injuries he had are very, very difficult to prevent. So that’s something you have to get rid of, and that’s it. So you can’t afford to have a different mentality.
“He is the captain, he needs to push the standard. He needs to be the example. When you have no other option, you are a father. You have to take care of your children. You have to be there. You are good. You are tired. You have to be there. That is his responsibility in the team.”
Martin Zubimendi and Ben White also missed training on Thursday, but Arteta allayed fears of further injury problems, insisting they were absent to manage their load.
“We are monitoring all the players and giving each of them a specific menu to make sure they are in the best condition,” Arteta said.
To give the Gunners a boost, summer signing Piero Hincapie is back in training, with Arteta eager to “get him up to speed” where he can play regularly.