Shock reason Martin Odegaard missed Newcastle and Sevilla games revealed following Arsenal training ground incident
MARTIN ODEGAARD missed Arsenal’s recent matches against Newcastle and Sevilla due to CONCUSSION.
Mikel Arteta’s star man and captain was reportedly struck in the face with a ball during a training session at London Colney.
The Mail claims Odegaard, 24, was already struggling with a hip problem before the incident occurred.
But after being left concussed, he was immediately withdrawn from Arsenal’s squads to face Newcastle and Sevilla.
Strict rules means players who suffer concussion must rest for at least six days after the incident.
They must also show zero symptoms in order to get the all-clear.
It remains to be seen if Odegaard is available for Arsenal after the current international break, with the playmaker also not in the squad for Saturday’s 3-1 win over Burnley.
But he did not report for international duty ahead of Norway’s friendly against the Faroe Islands and the crunch Euro qualifier with Scotland.
Odegaard has been at Arsenal for almost three years, having initially joined on a loan deal from Real Madrid in January 2021.
His fine performances convinced boss Arteta to make the deal permanent that summer.
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Odegaard has since gone on to score 29 goals in 120 games.
And he proved his worth to the side by being named captain ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Arsenal’s next game is away to Brentford in the league.
They then have tricky tests against Lens and Wolves.
And Arteta will be desperate to have Odegaard back, especially after replacement Fabio Vieira was shown a straight red card against Burnley.