Arsenal will head into Wednesday’s League Cup fourth-round match against Preston North End without their captain, Martin Odegaard, who has been sidelined since September with an ankle injury. Manager Mikel Arteta remains hopeful that the influential Norwegian midfielder will return before the international break, but Arsenal’s mounting injury list poses ongoing challenges.
Odegaard’s absence, combined with the recent knee injury of defender Riccardo Calafiori during the 1-0 Champions League win against Shakhtar Donetsk on October 22, has left Arteta short of top players. Calafiori’s absence was especially felt in Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, where defensive woes intensified as Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber were both forced off the pitch in the second half, leaving Arsenal with a depleted backline.
“Odegaard has been on the grass for a few weeks and hopefully he’ll be back before the international break,” Arteta shared with reporters on Tuesday. “Calafiori will be out for a few weeks, I would say.”
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The injury struggles leave Arteta with a patched-up defense as the team balances an intense schedule in the Premier League, Champions League, and League Cup. With Odegaard’s anticipated return potentially lifting Arsenal’s midfield strength, fans are eager to see how Arteta manages the squad amid growing fitness concerns.
As Arsenal prepares to take on Preston, Arteta’s tactical adjustments and injury management are in the spotlight. Supporters hope for swift recoveries, particularly for Odegaard, whose leadership and playmaking abilities could be vital in Arsenal’s bid for silverware this season.