Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has confirmed he is facing another period on the sidelines after suffering a fresh injury setback during the club's European campaign. The Norwegian midfielder, who has already endured a stop-start season due to fitness issues, admitted he is "desperate" to return with the Gunners currently navigating a season-defining run of fixtures.

Declan Rice was among five players to miss Arsenal's latest training session ahead of their Champions League quarter-final second leg clash with Sporting CP. Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber were also absent after sitting out the weekend defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Arsenal have been handed a significant boost regarding Martin Odegaard after the midfielder's latest injury setback. The Gunners captain was forced off during the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Sporting CP, but Norway manager Stale Solbakken has suggested that the damage is not as severe as first feared.

Arsenal’s victory over Sporting CP on Tuesday night was overshadowed by a fresh injury concern for captain Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian playmaker was forced off in the second half of the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash, leaving fans and pundits alike sweating over his fitness at a critical juncture of the season.

Mikel Arteta has hit back at suggestions that Arsenal players have prioritised club over country after a staggering 11 members of his squad withdrew from international duty. The Gunners boss insists that the medical decisions were necessary and the club maintains a transparent relationship with national team managers, including England's Thomas Tuchel.

The Gunners have been sweating over the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber ahead of the Carabao Cup final. Odegaard hasn't featured since the draw with Brentford last month, while Timber was forced off during the 2-0 victory against Everton last Saturday. Their absence is felt, but Mikel Arteta remains hopeful.