BBC reporter reveals what Martin Odegaard was seen doing immediately after being taken off vs Sporting | OneFootball

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was seen engaged in a lengthy and animated discussion with manager Mikel Arteta after being substituted during the Gunners’ hard-fought 1-0 Champions League victory over Sporting CP on Tuesday night.

The Norwegian playmaker was replaced by Kai Havertz, who went on to score the winning goal, in the 70th minute.

Before taking his place on the bench, Odegaard appeared to be explaining a physical issue to Arteta, pointing toward his leg while visibly grimacing.

According to BBC Sport Arsenal reporter Alex Howell: “Martin Odegaard comes off and seems to have a bit of a limp. He did have treatment before being replaced by Kai Havertz. He has a long talk with Mikel Arteta before sitting on the bench too.”

Arteta later confirmed in his post-match comments that while the substitution was “partly tactical,” it was also a “precautionary” measure given the player’s recent fitness struggles.

Martin Odegaard has had an injury marred season

The sight of Odegaard limping will be a major concern for Arsenal supporters, as the midfielder has endured a “nightmare” 2025/26 campaign plagued by recurring issues.

Odegaard injuries this season via transfermarkt

Having only recently returned to the starting lineup following a month-long layoff with a knee problem, this latest “muscular blow” in Lisbon puts his availability for the second leg and the critical Premier League run-in at risk.

With Arsenal currently missing Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, losing their creative engine once again would be a catastrophic blow to their hopes of a historic European and domestic double.