2 weeks ago
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed Martin Odegaard will be missing for “weeks” in a big injury blow for the Premier League leader.
The Gunners currently sit a point ahead of Liverpool during the early stages of this season’s title race, with Arne Slot’s players having lost their last three games in all competitions to give up the five-point advantage they previously held.
With Arsenal playing Fulham on Saturday and Liverpool hosting Manchester United on Sunday, Arteta’s players will have the chance to extend their lead to four points for at least 24 hours - although they will have to do so without their captain.
Odegaard picked up yet another injury as he was forced off against West Ham, and he may not return until after next month’s international break.
"It will be weeks, no definite date for his return, but he is evolving well," Arteta said in a press conference on Friday. "Very unlucky, but he will be back in a few weeks.
"It could be [a return before November international break], but we'll have to see how he progresses, how the knee is healing, how he manages after the next steps in his rehab. So, too early to give an answer."
Arteta also played down fears over Martin Zubimendi’s fitness, with the Arsenal boss revealing he gave the midfielder and defender Ben White extra time off following the international break.
“All the players come from different countries, different amounts of games and minutes played, and we believe that it was the right thing to do. He played two games again, his load has been really high recently and he needs an extra day,” he said on Zubimendi.
Arsenal remains without Noni Madueke and Kai Havertz, with Arteta revealing the former is getting closer to a return to training.
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Having overtaken Liverpool at this early stage of the season, the Gunners boss isn’t allowing himself to get too carried away with his side’s slender advantage.
“I prefer to win every game. The only thing that we can do is to perform really well on Saturday and win the game,” Arteta said.
“As you said, it's super early. It's not the moment to start looking at that. It's more the moment now to look at performances, to look at ways that we can sustain certain things that we're doing and improve others. And that's the only way.
“And that increases the chances to win in matches when it comes to March and April to be in the best possible position. And then when you ask me that question, I will tell you for sure, I want to be at the top.”
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