Arsenal receive huge Martin Odegaard injury boost ahead of Newcastle clash

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is closing in on his return from injury, with the club hopeful the Norwegian will be involved in next week's Champions League clash with Inter.

The Gunners have been without their skipper since the September international break due to an ankle ligament injury sustained during Norway's Nations League victory over Austria.

Mikel Arteta had initially mitigated Odegaard's absence admirably, but his presence has been desperately missed in recent weeks, particularly in the 2-0 defeat at Bournemouth. While Bukayo Saka has stepped up in a big way while the skipper's been sidelined, Arsenal have often lacked guile and ingenuity in the middle of the park.

But don't fear, the dazzling Nordic playmaker will soon be sparkling in red and white in short order.

Arsenal receive huge Martin Odegaard injury boost ahead of Newcastle clash

There's been plenty of ambiguity surrounding Odegaard's recovery, with one erroneous Arsenal insider reporting that the former Real Madrid starlet would be out of action until December. That claim was quickly rubbished, though, and Arteta provided a positive update on his captain's status earlier this week.

"He's been on the grass for a few weeks but there's still a few boxes to tick," he said ahead of Wednesday's Carabao Cup victory over Preston. The boss was hopeful Odegaard would be back before the November break, and it seems he'll be getting his wish.

An exclusive from the Standard states that Arsenal are hopeful Odegaard will be included in the travelling squad to Milan next week with the Gunners facing Inter on Matchday 4 of the Champions League league phase.

The report also notes that there's an outside chance the skipper makes Saturday's squad for the lunchtime kick-off at Newcastle.

The 25-year-old, who's recorded 40 Premier League goal contributions since the start of the 2022/23 season, is said to be 'itching' to get back out there after more than six weeks out. And while Arsenal will continue to take a cautious stance during the final stages of his recovery, there's no doubting that we've approached the final hurdle.

It's been a tough watch at times watching this Gunners outfit without their metronomic creator, but a little more beauty is about to return to Arsenal's play as they aim to hunt down Manchester City and Liverpool at the Premier League's summit.

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