Martin Odegaard escapes serious knee injury ahead of Bournemouth clash
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has avoided a serious knee injury following his substitution against Sporting CP, providing a major boost ahead of their Premier League fixture with Bournemouth.
The Norwegian playmaker was withdrawn and replaced by Kai Havertz after requiring medical attention during the midweek European tie.
He subsequently missed Thursday’s training session at London Colney, sparking fears of another lengthy spell on the sidelines.
However, Norway manager Stale Solbakken has moved to reassure supporters regarding the fitness of his national team skipper.
Solbakken plays down injury fears
Speaking at a press conference at Ullevaal Stadium, the Scandinavian coach stated that the latest setback is not a major concern.
“He got a little one where he shouldn’t have gotten it, but I don’t think it’s pitch black,” said Solbakken.
“We don’t need any more setbacks now.”
Former international defender Jesper Mathisen had earlier voiced his alarm on Norwegian television after witnessing the incident.
“Those are scary images. Like watching a horror movie. A nightmare. He’s not sitting down for no reason,” stated Mathisen.
Recent fitness struggles and returning faces
The 27-year-old former Real Sociedad midfielder only recently returned to action following more than a month out of the squad.
A previous issue sustained during February’s north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur forced him to miss crucial international fixtures against the Netherlands and Switzerland.
In more positive news for the Gunners, summer signing Eberechi Eze has resumed first-team training following a calf problem.
The dynamic attacker missed the recent Carabao Cup final but appears in contention to face the Cherries at Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile, Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori was a notable absentee from the latest preparation session despite starting the midweek match.
