Martin Odegaard missed Arsenal's recent games due to concussion after being hit in the face with a ball in training... but is likely to return after the international break

1 year ago 71

Martin Odegaard missed recent Arsenal games due to a concussion injury
The Gunners captain was hit in the face with a ball during a training session
City had their pants pulled down by a development team - It's All Kicking Off

By Sami Mokbel For Mailonline

Published: 18:45 GMT, 13 November 2023 | Updated: 18:45 GMT, 13 November 2023

Martin Odegaard missed Arsenal’s recent games against Newcastle and Sevilla due to concussion after taking a blow to the face in training.

Odegaard has been struggling with a hip injury, but his omission for the trip to St James’ Park and the home Champions League game was as a result of an unrelated issue.

The Gunners captain took a ball to the face during a session at the club’s London Colney HQ in the lead up to the loss on Tyneside.

The blow was heavy enough for Odegaard to be checked out for concussion and he was immediately withdrawn from the starting XI that was due to face Eddie Howe’s men.

Concussion rules state players must rest for six days and be symptom free before returning to action.

Martin Odegaard missed Arsenal ’s recent games against Newcastle and Sevilla due to concussion

The Gunners captain took a ball to the face during a training session before the Newcastle clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has had to navigate tricky fixtures in Odegaard's absence

Odegaard subsequently missed last Wednesday’s victory over Sevilla before missing Saturday’s Premier League win over Burnley.

The midfielder will also remain in England during the international break; missing Norway’s fixtures against the Faroe Islands and Scotland, although that decision is believed to be linked to his original hip problem.

There is confidence he will be fit to return after the international break.

Meanwhile, the Brazil football federation have exercised their right to examine Gabriel Jesus’ fitness despite the Gunners forward not featuring for Arsenal since October 24 due to a hamstring injury.

Mail Sport revealed last week that the Gunners wanted Jesus to recover in London during the international window, but Brazil are insisting on examining Jesus themselves.