Arsenal star absent from training ahead of Athletic Club clash | OneFootball

Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard was absent from training ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Athletic Club.

The Gunners midfielder was forced off in the win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday after injuring his shoulder.

Boss Mikel Arteta says it was a similar injury to the one which also forced him off in the victory over Leeds earlier on in the campaign.

“Yeah, very similar,” Arteta said when asked if the injury was similar to his previous one.

“I don’t know if it’s exactly the same place but a very similar injury.

“He was uncomfortable to continue. He’s played two games for Norway but unfortunately could not carry on today so we’ll have to assess him with the doctors and see.

“But I’m sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday.”

But Odegaard was not involved in the open part of Arsenal’s training session in front of the media, before the Gunners make the trip to Bilbao.

Bukayo Saka was also not involved as he recovers from his hamstring injury. Nor was Kai Havertz after undergoing knee surgery.

But both William Saliba and Christian Norgaard did take part.

Saliba missed the win over Forest after suffering an injury against Liverpool but Arteta hopes to have him back this week.

Norgaard has not played for Arsenal this campaign but could be in line for his debut this week.