Arsenal handed major Martin Odegaard blow as Mikel Arteta provides William Saliba injury update

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·13 de setembro de 2025

Arsenal handed major Martin Odegaard blow as Mikel Arteta provides William Saliba injury update

Arsenal’s early season injury concerns are showing little signs of easing

Your matchday briefing on Arsenal, featuring team news and expert analysis from Simon Collings

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Arsenal have suffered a fresh injury concern with Martin Odegaard being forced off in the first half against Nottingham Forest.

The Arsenal captain was restored to the starting XI after being named among the substitutes for the 1-0 loss at Liverpool in the game before the international break.

However, the Norwegian’s afternoon lasted just 18 minutes before being replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.

Odegaard appeared to land awkwardly on his shoulder as a result of a tackle from team-mate Jurrien Timber who was attempting to win the ball back off Morgan Gibbs-White on the edge of Forest’s box.

The injury may be a recurrence of the shoulder injury Odegaard sustained in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds last month.

Speaking at full-time, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said he would be assessed ahead of upcoming fixtures with Athletic Club and Manchester City.

Asked whether Odegaard had reaggravated his earlier shoulder issue, Arteta said: "Yeah, very similar. I don't know if it's exactly the same place, but very similar injury.

“He wasn't comfortable to continue. He's played two games with Norway, unfortunately he cannot carry on today.

“So we have to assess him with the doctors and see, but I'm sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday."

Arsenal started against Forest without Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and summer signing Christian Norgaard.

William Saliba was also absent from the matchday squad despite making a surprise return in training on Friday after limping off after five minutes at Anfield.

Explaining the decision to not risk the Frenchman, Arteta told TNT Sports: “The amount of games we play in the next 21 days. It is finding that right balance by making sure everybody is connected.

"He [William Saliba] trained yesterday, but at the end of the session he wasn't fully ready to start the game."