Arsenal struggled without Martin Odegaard during their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday, with the Gunners unable to create anything of note as Newcastle took control and Arsenal looked clueless.

Odegaard’s absence has left a creative void that has once again highlighted just how important he is to Arsenal’s midfield.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal warms up prior to the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Emirates Stadium on August 31, 2024. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta ruled Odegaard out of the Newcastle clash, but there is optimism about his return. Arteta explained on Friday that while Odegaard would miss the match, his recovery is progressing well, and a return might not be far off.

Odegaard’s injury recovery progress

Odegaard, who has been dealing with ankle ligament damage since playing for Norway against Austria on 9 September, has made some progress in his rehabilitation.

According to Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail, the midfielder was scheduled to return to light training this week, though it remains uncertain when he will be fully fit to start.

Speaking ahead of the Newcastle shambles, Arteta gave an encouraging update: “Now is the stage when he will do certain work with us. Let’s see how he deals with pain, if he moves naturally enough, if he is physically now at the level that requires him to compete.

“But with the workrate and the hours he’s put in, I would be surprised that the moment he starts training with us, we don’t say that he looks ready. So hopefully soon.”

Upcoming fixtures and potential return

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 06: Joao Pedro of Brighton is challenged by Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Community Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 06: Joao Pedro of Brighton is challenged by Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Community Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The games keep coming for Arsenal, with a trip to Milan to face Inter before another tough away day at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.

While Odegaard was not ready for the Newcastle fixture, there remains hope that he could return to the squad in time for one of these crucial games before the next international break, with Chelsea the most likely.

Though Odegaard is back training on the grass, the club is exercising caution to ensure he’s fully ready before making his competitive return.