Martin Odegaard's expected return date revealed as Arsenal receive positive update on injured captain's recovery

The Gunners skipper was injured while playing for Norway in early September, with manager Mikel Arteta saying this was a "significant" injury for the attacking midfielder. However, The Standard claims Arsenal are hopeful the 25-year-old will be back for their Champions League trip to Inter Milan next Wednesday. The report adds he even has an 'outside' chance of making Arteta's squad for Saturday's trip to Newcastle United in the Premier League, but they are wary of rushing him back too soon.

Odegaard has proven to be a vital player in Arsenal's team in recent seasons, with the former Real Madrid man bagging 11 goals and 11 assists in the 2023/24 campaign. Having him back could reignite their Premier League title hopes after falling five points behind defending champions Manchester City.

Since Odegaard swapped Madrid for Arsenal in the 2020/21 season, he has scored 35 goals, created 25 assists, and made 156 appearances in all competitions. His current contract with the Gunners runs until the summer of 2028.

Third-placed Arsenal travel to 12th-positioned Newcastle this weekend, as they look to close the gap on the Premier League's top two City and Liverpool. They then take on Inter in the Champions League five days later.