Arteta is braced for Arsenal's 'great test' without Odegaard
Evening Standard|September 19, 2024
MIKEL ARTETA has described losing Martin Odegaard as “a great test” as Arsenal prepare to be without their influential captain for an extended period.
Simon Collings
Arteta is braced for Arsenal's 'great test' without Odegaard

Arsenal fans may have chosen some more colourful language, and whether the Gunners pass or fail this examination will go a long way to determining the success of their season.

Arteta confirmed last night Odegaard sustained “significant” ankle ligament damage playing for Norway last week.

Odegaard will miss tonight's Champions League opener against Atalanta in Italy and Sunday's Premier League showdown with Manchester City at the Etihad.

Being without Odegaard is rare for Arsenal and the challenge for Arteta is ensuring his absence does not derail their season.

Since Odegaard was named captain in 2022, he has missed just five Premier League games. The midfielder is integral to how Arsenal play and they must find a way for their attack to fire without him. Also, without the ball, Odegaard leads the Arsenal press, which helped them have the best defence in the Premier League last season.

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