Report: Martin Odegaard suffers recovery setback; not expected to return until December

It's not good news on the Martin Odegaard injury front with a report emerging which suggests the Arsenal captain won't make his comeback until December having suffered a setback in his recovery.

Odegaard suffered an ankle ligament injury while playing for Norway during the September international break and has been sidelined since. Arsenal, however, have remained unbeaten in his absence all while mitigating a tough schedule which has seen the Gunners face Manchester City and Tottenham in the Premier League, as well as PSG in Europe.

Mikel Arteta has played on his side's physicality in the absence of their master artist, but we did see the Gunners spread their fluid wings before the October break in victories over Leicester and Southampton. They will also benefit from Mikel Merino's return to full fitness after recovering from a shoulder injury.

Martin Odegaard now not expected to make return from ankle injury until December

There have been conflicting reports regarding a return timescale for Odegaard's ankle injury ever since the Norwegian succumbed against Austria. Some speculated that the skipper would be out until November, while a few optimists suggested he could be in action after the current international break.

Arteta has maintained a coy stance throughout.

Odegaard, meanwhile, provided a positive recovery update ahead of the 3-1 victory over Southampton last Saturday: "In the last week or so I’ve made really good progress. I’m getting better and better by the day and feel it’s going well," he said.

However, Arsenal insider Con Harrison provided a concerning update on Friday morning. He said the skipper has suffered a 'setback in his recovery' and is now not expected to return until December. If that report is true, it's disastrous news for Arsenal given their upcoming run.

The Gunners may have performed well in Odegaard's absence, but can they sustain their current efficiency as they take on Liverpool, Newcastle, Chelsea, Inter, and Sporting CP to name a few before 1 December.

Harrison's word is not gospel, however. Let's see if more reputable sources back-up the report over the coming hours.

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