Arsenal’s injury crisis deepened on Saturday as captain Martin Odegaard was forced off just 18 minutes into their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
The Norwegian midfielder, who has struggled with a recurring shoulder problem, landed awkwardly following a challenge from Morgan Gibbs-White. Despite receiving lengthy treatment from the physio team and attempting to continue, Odegaard was unable to carry on and was replaced by teenage starlet Ethan Nwaneri.
His early withdrawal comes at a difficult time for Mikel Arteta, who is already without attacking trio Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka. Defensive stalwart William Saliba also missed out after failing to recover in time from an ankle injury sustained before the international break.
Arteta handed Eberechi Eze his first Arsenal start, with Noni Madueke featuring on the opposite flank, while Cristhian Mosquera deputised in defence for Saliba.
Despite the setback, the Gunners found a breakthrough in the 31st minute when Martín Zubimendi netted a stunning volley from outside the area. His thunderous strike into the top corner gave Arsenal a much-needed lift after a nervy opening spell at the Emirates.
With Odegaard’s fitness now a fresh concern, Arteta faces a testing period as Arsenal continue to juggle injuries while chasing crucial points in the Premier League title race.
