Odegaard’s Injury Update and Arsenal’s FA Cup Triumph

omidbasir- Martin Odegaard began the midweek match against Brentford on the bench but was brought on for Eberechi Eze in the second half. The Gunners took a well-deserved lead in the London derby when Noni Madueke headed in Piero Hincapie’s cross past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher at the hour mark.

The Bees responded effectively, equalizing just ten minutes later. Keane Lewis-Potter scored after Michael Kayode’s long throw was flicked on by Sepp van den Berg, allowing the 24-year-old to power a header past David Raya.

Unfortunately, Odegaard sustained a knock during the build-up to Brentford’s goal, raising concerns about his fitness shortly after his introduction. He managed to finish the match, but he was absent from the FA Cup victory over Wigan, where Arsenal dominated the first half with goals from Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and an own goal by Jack Hunt, securing their place in the fifth round.

Manager Mikel Arteta addressed Odegaard’s absence on Sunday, stating, “Martin will have to wait and see. He picked up that knock during the action when we conceded the goal against Brentford, and he wasn’t fit for today.”

Odegaard’s absence was compounded by two additional injury concerns during the FA Cup match. Defender Riccardo Calafiori was expected to start but was replaced by Bukayo Saka after experiencing discomfort in the warm-up. Furthermore, Ben White had to be substituted late in the match, slightly overshadowing what was an impressive day for the North London team.

“[Calafiori] and Ben are the only doubts,” Arteta noted. “We have to wait and see over the next 48 hours how things develop.”

Arsenal is already missing Kai Havertz due to a muscle injury, and Mikel Merino is sidelined following foot surgery, leaving the squad with limited midfield options. Arteta remarked, “Previously, we dealt with injuries to strikers, then defenders, and now midfielders. We are managing, but we need players back and fit to enhance our options against various opponents. The sooner, the better.”

Nonetheless, Arteta commended his team’s determination against Wigan, saying, “It was great. From the outset, it was clear that things were clicking. The players were alive and sharp, causing considerable damage to the opposition. We are very pleased to advance to the next round. That was our goal, and we achieved it in a commendable manner despite making numerous changes. The team exhibited real desire, which is crucial when competing against lower-tier teams in the tournament.”

He further emphasized the team’s cohesion, despite the many changes, noting, “They played with intensity and had great intentions to push forward, constantly threatening the opposition, resulting in some incredible goals in the first half that made a significant difference.”

Arsenal aims to build on their resounding win over Wigan as they prepare for an upcoming match against Wolves, hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners will face the bottom-placed Wolves, who also advanced in the FA Cup by narrowly defeating Grimsby, marking the end of a five-game winless streak. Wolves currently sit 18 points from safety with 12 matches left to play in the league.