Mikel Arteta issues Martin Odegaard injury update ahead of north London derby

Declan Rice has already been ruled out of the north London derby after being sent off against Brighton

Martin Odegaard was injured while playing for Norway on international duty (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta has revealed the latest on Martin Odegaard’s fitness after the Arsenal captain was injured on international duty for Norway.

Odegaard sustained an ankle injury while playing for his national side against Austria on Monday and was consoled by Premier League title rival Erling Haaland.

Arsenal take on Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday, but are likely to be without Odegaard, and Declan Rice has already been ruled out of the match when he was shown a red card against Brighton.

Arteta said at the press conference ahead of the north London derby: “We need some more tests so let’s see what happens in the next day or so, this afternoon probably, and see what happens with the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back.

“He is super positive about everything, we know Martin, he wants to be there every single day, but we have to wait and see.”

Arteta added: “With 48 hours until the game, players could always become available, but let’s see what happens.”

Mikel Merino was one of Arsenal’s key signings in the summer transfer window, but has not been able to play after injuring his shoulder in his first training session, however, the manager said he is improving.

“Better, it is a slow process because it is a bone and it takes a while to heal. He is progressing well and he is already doing some stuff.

“He is working extremely hard. We are using this time as well to make sure he understands a lot of things that he has a lot of questions about, so when he is back he is ready to go and impact the team.”

On the other problems affecting the squad, Arteta said: “Gabby (Gabriel Jesus) was out (training),” said Arteta. “He has got another session tomorrow. If everything goes well he will be ready to be selected in the squad, which is great news for us.” Arteta added on Calafiori: “It’s another one that we have to wait for another day or so.”