Arsenal: Mikel Arteta reveals Martin Odegaard injury latest in double update before Everton | OneFootball

Gunners could have almost a fully-fit squad to choose from as they bid to extend Premier League lead

Arsenal will make a late call on the potential involvement of Martin Odegaard and Leandro Trossard against Everton in the Premier League this weekend.

Gunners captain Odegaard has not featured since returning off the bench with an assist in the north London derby drubbing of Tottenham last month.

The midfielder has struggled to shake off a lingering knee issue and missed the last four matches across all competitions during what has been an injury-hit campaign so far, while Norway coach Stale Solbakken recently sparked concerns that he may not be back in action until late March at the earliest.

Trossard, meanwhile, was substituted in last week’s 2-1 win at Mansfield in the FA Cup fifth round with a knock and did not make the squad for Wednesday night’s Champions League last-16 first-leg draw with Bayer Leverkusen as a result, despite being back in training at London Colney on the eve of the game.

Asked for an update on the pair ahead of Everton’s trip to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “Let's see.

“We will have to wait and see, speak to the doctors on whether they are involved or not.”

If Odegaard and Trossard were both to be passed fit for the weekend, then Arteta would have almost an entirely healthy squad to choose from against Everton.

Leandro Trossard picked up a knock during Arsenal’s FA Cup win at Mansfield last weekend

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The only confirmed absentee is versatile midfielder Mikel Merino, who faces months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery in February on a rare foot injury.

Everton are hoping that defender Jarrad Branthwaite will be able to play against Arsenal after he was substituted late on in the 2-0 top-flight win over Burnley last time out with fatigue.

However, Toffees boss David Moyes will remain without Manchester City loanee Jack Grealish, who has been lost for the season after an operation on a stress fracture in his left foot.

Club captain Seamus Coleman could return from a knock, though Argentine attacking midfielder Charly Alcaraz is still sidelined.