Arsenal: Mikel Arteta drops new Martin Odegaard injury hint ahead of Brentford clash | OneFootball

Gunners captain has missed last two matches

Martin Odegaard could return for Arsenal against Brentford on Thursday.

The Arsenal captain has been out since he came off the bench in the win over Leeds on January 31.

Mikel Arteta was coy on the fitness of Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka at his press conference on Wednesday.

“We will see with the medical team,” said Arteta.

Leandro Trossard was injured against Sunderland

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

But pushed on Odegaard being out and a timeframe for his return, the Arsenal boss said: “I didn't say that”

A hip injury has kept Saka on the sidelines since he pulled out of the warm-up at Elland Road.

Reports at the time suggested the north London derby against Tottenham on February 22 was a realistic target for Saka's comeback.

Trossard limped off late against Sunderland at the weekend.

Arteta confirmed Max Dowman is closing in on his Arsenal comeback.

Dowman has been out for two months with an ankle injury but the 16-year-old is on course to return soon.

Issuing a new update on Dowman, Arteta said: “He's doing really well, about a week away.”

Mikel Merino underwent surgery this week on his foot injury and Arteta said: "Doctors were really happy.

“Starting a long process, you're talking about bone healing. You need to be patient and respect the timeframe.

“We're talking about months - three, four or five we don't know."