Martin Odegaad was billed to start Arsenal's recent friendly against Nurnberg but sat out the entire match, Arteta explains why
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained leaving out captain Martin Odegaard from the team to face Nurnberg, although the Norwegian was supposed to play in the friendly.
Arsenal draw Nurnberg without Odegaard
After leading Arsenal to second-place in the Premier League for the first time since the 2015/16 season, Odegaard was billed to pick up where he left off as the Gunners began preparations for the upcoming season, but was nowhere to be found as they took on Nurnberg in the first friendly game of their pre-season tour.
The midfielder was named in Arsenal’s starting line up for the game, but pulled out before the start of the game and manager Arteta revealed why at the end of the 1-1 draw.
Arteta gives Odegaard and Trossard update
Arteta noted Odegaard’s absence and let on that his captain had been struggling with an injury in the lead up to the game and did not feel good enough to risk in a friendly game with a long season still ahead of the team.
Speaking after the Nurnberg game, Arteta also gave an update on an injury to winter signing Leandro Trossard, who had to be substituted after 50 minutes of the tie.
Arteta said, '[Odegaard] and Leo are struggling, and we had other players with issues picked up in the week, so we have to be cautious.
“It's pre-season and some of them have only had two or three training sessions, so we'll take it step by step.”
Arsenal continue their pre-season preparations with a game against MLS All-Stars before playing against Manchester United and Barcelona.
Related content
19:00 - 12.07.2023
TRANSFERS Premier League powerhouses collide in bid to secure Celta Vigo maestro
Three Premier League giants go head-to-head in pursuit of Spanish superstar.
15:34 - 12.07.2023
Declan Rice begins personal training ahead of official announcement by Arsenal
Declan Rice, whose move to Arsenal is on the verge of completion, has returned to pre-season training.
20:03 - 11.07.2023
FOOTBALL Why Rice is yet to sign for Arsenal despite West Ham accepting £105 million bid
The move is set to happen imminently but the North London side have not yet formally announced or officially completed it.
20:00 - 11.07.2023
Arsenal defender believes club can win 'everything' with Mikel Arteta
Defender William Saliba believes Arsenal can challenge for all major silverware next season with manager Mikel Arteta a main reason
14:11 - 08.07.2023
Granit Xhaka respond to claims about his wife unhappiness in England
Granit Xhaka has shot down any notions that his departure had anything to do with his wife's discontentment with life in England.
13:39 - 08.07.2023
William Saliba opens up on last season’s back injury
Arsenal defender William Saliba has spoken about his back injury during the final running of the season.
17:50 - 07.07.2023
Official: William Saliba pens a new contract with Arsenal and given a new jersey Number
William Saliba has officially signed a new contract extension at Arsenal after several months of negotiations.