Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently provided an important update regarding the injuries of two key players, Martin Ødegaard and Oleksandr Zinchenko.
Addressing Ødegaard’s situation, Arteta explained that the midfielder’s recovery could take "a matter of weeks" but admitted uncertainty about the exact timeline.
He remarked, "We might get a surprise [before the international break] but I think it’s unlikely." Ødegaard suffered a severe ankle ligament injury while representing Norway during the international break, causing him to miss Arsenal’s recent matches against Atalanta, Manchester City, and Tottenham.
This absence has left a significant gap in Arsenal's midfield, as the Norwegian captain is known for his creative playmaking abilities.
Arteta also commented on Oleksandr Zinchenko's injury, confirming that the Ukrainian left-back would be sidelined for several weeks due to a calf problem.
"I think he will be out for a few weeks unfortunately," the Arsenal boss stated.
Zinchenko picked up the injury while on duty with Ukraine, which has since ruled him out of some of Arsenal’s critical fixtures, including the intense North London Derby against Tottenham. His versatility, both defensively and offensively, has been a key asset for the team, and his absence poses a challenge for Arsenal’s defense in upcoming matches.
Last weekend, Arsenal played out a dramatic 2-2 draw against Manchester City in what was a hard-fought contest. Despite being reduced to ten men early in the second half, the Gunners managed to claw back and secure a point, thanks to goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel.
This performance demonstrated Arsenal's resilience, though their ongoing injury problems continue to test the squad’s depth and stamina as they juggle domestic and international commitments.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will face Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, September 25, 2024. With both Ødegaard and Zinchenko still sidelined, Arteta will have to rely on his squad’s depth and make tactical adjustments. The busy fixture list adds further strain, but Arteta remains optimistic about the return of his injured players, hoping to reintegrate them as soon as possible.
These injury setbacks come at a particularly demanding period for Arsenal, with key fixtures across multiple competitions. Nonetheless, Arteta remains hopeful that both Ødegaard and Zinchenko will make swift recoveries. Their returns will be crucial in helping Arsenal maintain their momentum as they aim for success both in the Premier League and in cup competitions.
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