Why Martin Odegaard is not in Arsenal squad to face Chelsea | OneFootball

Club captain is again missing for the title leaders

Injured: Martin Odegaard

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Martin Odegaard has been ruled out of Arsenal's clash with Chelsea after again being hampered by a knee injury.

Odegaard returned to make the bench against Tottenham last weekend and he came on to assist in the closing stages of that 4-1 win.

However, despite Arsenal having a rare midweek off after that north London derby, Odegaard has not been able to return to full fitness.

The Gunners have opted to leave him out of the squad entirely for Chelsea's visit, naming an unchanged lineup as Eberechi Eze keeps his place at No10.

Arsenal waited to make a late decision on the availability of Kai Havertz, who has been on the sidelines with a hamstring issue.

The German trained on Saturday and he has been named on the bench against his former club.

Havertz was also a substitute in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tie last month, when he came on to score in stoppage-time and seal victory.

"Kai trained really well and he's fit and available," Arteta said.

After Manchester City beat Leeds on Saturday evening, the pressure is on Arsenal to respond to their title rivals.

The gap has been cut to two points ahead of the Gunners facing Chelsea, who they are on a ten-match unbeaten run against.