Arsenal manager explains Odegaard omission from Friendly against Nurnberg
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Arsenal vs Brighton

Arsenal manager explains Odegaard omission from Friendly against Nurnberg

Ayoola Kelechi 13:07 - 14.07.2023

Martin Odegaad was billed to start Arsenal's recent friendly against Nurnberg but sat out the entire match, Arteta explains why

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained leaving out captain Martin Odegaard from the team to face Nurnberg, although the Norwegian was supposed to play in the friendly. 

Arsenal draw Nurnberg without Odegaard

After leading Arsenal to second-place in the Premier League for the first time since the 2015/16 season, Odegaard was billed to pick up where he left off as the Gunners began preparations for the upcoming season, but was nowhere to be found as they took on Nurnberg in the first friendly game of their pre-season tour. 

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The midfielder was named in Arsenal’s starting line up for the game, but pulled out before the start of the game and manager Arteta revealed why at the end of the 1-1 draw. 

Arteta gives Odegaard and Trossard update

Arteta noted Odegaard’s absence and let on that his captain had been struggling with an injury in the lead up to the game and did not feel good enough to risk in a friendly game with a long season still ahead of the team. 

Speaking after the Nurnberg game, Arteta also gave an update on an injury to winter signing Leandro Trossard, who had to be substituted after 50 minutes of the tie. 

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard in action against Newcastle |imago
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard in action against Newcastle |imago

Arteta said, '[Odegaard] and Leo are struggling, and we had other players with issues picked up in the week, so we have to be cautious.

“It's pre-season and some of them have only had two or three training sessions, so we'll take it step by step.”

Arsenal continue their pre-season preparations with a game against MLS All-Stars before playing against Manchester United and Barcelona. 

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