Martin Ødegaard has confirmed he won’t be ready to play against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Arsenal captain also discussed the difficulties his injury-stricken team will encounter in this weekend’s Premier League clash.
Ødegaard has been out of action since August 31, following a serious ankle injury he suffered while on international duty with Norway last month. This injury has kept him sidelined for several weeks, and he is currently one of seven key players who are either unavailable or doubtful for the upcoming match against Arne Slot’s Liverpool, who are currently sitting at the top of the Premier League. With several key figures missing or uncertain, Arsenal faces a tough challenge as they prepare for the visit of the league leaders, adding to the pressure on the squad to perform.
Since taking charge in the summer after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, Slot has guided Liverpool to seven wins in eight league games and 11 victories in 12 matches across all competitions, setting a new club record.
A win for the Reds on Sunday would see them move seven points ahead of third-placed Arsenal, whose unbeaten league run ended last weekend with a 2-0 loss at Bournemouth after key center-back William Saliba was sent off.
In the Gunners’ matchday program, Ødegaard said: “These are the games we love to play, I’m sure all of you are going to be really fired up, and we’re expecting a top atmosphere inside the stadium.
“Our last two matches have had different challenges. Losing to Bournemouth, then showing good character in getting the job done against Shakhtar (Donetsk, in the Champions League), when we didn’t play at our best level, I know the team is determined to turn up with a huge performance, raise our level and reach our heights.
“Everyone is excited and ready to go. We want to give our best performance, and we know that will be needed against Liverpool.
“They have had a very strong start to the season, of course, and are full of confidence themselves. We played against them in pre-season, and I watched their game against Chelsea last weekend, and it looks to me as though there are a few changes from how they played under Jurgen Klopp.”
Saliba is suspended for the Reds’ visit, while Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are injured. There are significant doubts over defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, and key winger Bukayo Saka is also struggling to be fit.
Ødegaard provided an update on his condition: “I’ve been out for a few weeks now and have been working hard to get back as soon as possible. As I said in my notes on Tuesday, I feel like it’s close now, but although I haven’t been involved in the games lately, I feel I’ve still been able to use that time pretty well, too.
“To be honest, my days haven’t been much different to before. I am still at the training ground every day, and they are long days as well. I’m usually pretty tired afterward because I’ve been doing a lot of work with the great medical and fitness team we have, and I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym as well.
“I’ve wanted to stay involved with what’s happening too, so I’ve been going to the preparation meetings and have been closely involved. But obviously, matchdays have been different; there’s been less traveling, so I’ve been able to spend more time at home, getting important rest periods, which has been good.
“Hopefully, I can come out of this period fresher, stronger, and ready for the rest of the season. That’s the aim now, look at the positives and use this time in a good way. When I’m back, I’m going to be feeling pretty good, I’m sure.”
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