Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard issues new injury update before Tottenham: 'Getting closer'

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·23 November 2025

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard issues new injury update before Tottenham: 'Getting closer'

Odegaard ‘getting stronger’ as Gunners captain targets comeback

Martin Odegaard says he is “getting stronger and stronger” as he closes in on his Arsenal comeback.

Odegaard has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury against at the start of October but the midfielder has issued a new update on his recovery ahead of the north London derby.

Speaking in his programme notes before Arsenal face Tottenham at Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Odegaard said he is “getting closer every day” and is “desperate” to return.

Odegaard said: “This week I’ve been working really hard on my rehab - it’s going very well. I can feel I’m getting closer every day and getting towards the final stages where it's a lot more exciting.

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“I’ve been doing some pitch work and training, so I really feel like I'm getting there. That's the best part of the rehab, when you're getting closer to joining the team, you can do a lot more on the pitch and you can be more aggressive in the rehab.

“I feel like I'm getting stronger and stronger. I can't wait to be back now, we're on a good path and it's looking good.

“I'm really excited. I guess that's one of the good things about being injured. You get hungrier and more excited to play football again. That's the good part of it, I’m desperate to get going again.”

After Manchester City lost 2-1 at Newcastle on Saturday, Arsenal can move six points clear at the top of the Premier League with a win against Spurs.

Odegaard said: “This is the perfect game for the squad to come back to after the international break. It's a special fixture, always a big one, and everyone wants to play in it. Everyone is excited for this game, it’s always an incredible atmosphere, and you just can’t wait to get out there after the build-up during the week.”