Arsenal receive major boost as Odeegard returns to full training

Arsenal will be revitalized with the return to training of captain Martin Odegaard

Arsenal received a major boost ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Internazionale Milan after captain Martin Odegaard returned to training on Tuesday morning.

The Norway international has been absent from his country’s squad since the September international break with an ankle injury and the Gunners have struggled for form in his absence.

Odegaard’s presence has been sorely missed as Mikel Arteta’s side have failed to win their last three league games, including a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United last Saturday, leaving Arsenal seven points behind leaders Liverpool.

The midfielder’s return could be crucial as Arsenal prepare to travel to Italy for their fourth group-stage tie at the San Siro on Wednesday night. It is still unclear whether Martin Odegaard will play in the upcoming match. If he plays, the Arsenal captain will need two weeks to fully recover for the next international break in November.

Declan Rice did not participate in practice on Tuesday, but his condition is not a major concern at this time. Also missing are Riccardo Calafiori, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney, all three of whom are expected to return after the November international break.

The absence of these key players highlights the difficulties Arsenal face in maintaining consistency without a regular starter. Adding to the club’s uncertainty, Arsenal were also surprised by the departure of sporting director Edu Gaspard.

The Brazilian confirmed his retirement on Monday after an impressive five-year spell at the Emirates Stadium and will now take over Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club operations, including Nottingham Forest and Olympiacos.

Edu’s departure leaves Mikel Arteta without a trusted ally when it comes to recruiting and leading strategy, raising questions about who will take on the key role in overseeing Arsenal’s transfer operations.

Despite these off-field struggles, Odegaard’s return will bring a glimmer of hope to Arsenal’s ambitions. The 25-year-old midfielder has scored 23 goals and provided 17 assists in the past two Premier League seasons, with his leadership and technical ability being key to Arsenal’s recent title-clinching performance against Manchester City.