Arsenal star absent from training ahead of Athletic Club clash

Arsenal’s skipper, Martin Odegaard, was absent from training before the Champions League conflict of his team with Athletic Club.

The boss Mikel Arteta says it was an injury similar to the one who also forced him to go to the victory against Leeds earlier in the campaign.

“Yes, very similar,” said Arteta 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 played two games for Norway but unfortunately could not continue today, so we will have to assess it with the doctors and see.

“But I’m sure he will do his best to be in good shape for Tuesday.”

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

Bukayo Saka was also not involved as he recovered from his hamstiff injury. Kai Havertz was not undergoing knee surgery either.

But William Saliba and Christian Norgaard both participated.

Saliba missed the victory over Forest after suffering an injury against Liverpool, but Arteta hoped to recover it this week.

Norgaard did not play this campaign for Arsenal, but could be online for its beginnings this week.