Martin Odegaard missed 12 matches with an ankle injury he sustained on international duty with Norway at the start of September, but he’s certainly hit the ground running since returning to the starting lineup.
Our skipper came on for the final few moments of our Champions League match away to Inter Milan earlier this month, and has since started each of our last three games.
He claimed the assist for our opener in the draw away to Chelsea, then set up Bukayo Saka to break the deadlock against Nottingham Forest in the next match. He was instrumental again in midweek in our 5-1 demolition of Sporting in Lisbon, winning the penalty for Saka to score our fourth.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of facing West Ham United this weekend, the manager said the work Odegaard had done with the medical team during his rehabilitation phase had paid off.
When asked how he has been able to return at such a high level, the manager responded: “The way he prepares himself.
“How much work he put in with the physios and all the medical department to get in the best possible condition to face the period and importance of the season we are in at the moment. To hit the ground running. He was exceptional since the Chelsea game, and he’s been very consistent in the last few games.
“Good players who are so consistent and reliable, they can take the game to a different level and make the players around them better. That’s a huge quality of Martin and yes, he’s been missed.”
Arteta also had words of praise for Jurrien Timber, who has been contributing to much of our build up play on the right from his position at full back. The 23-year-old Netherlands international has started each of our last seven games, the last two at right back in place of the injured Ben White.
“We know what he can produce,” the manager said. “He’s a player with exceptional qualities, a lot of leadership. You see the courage, and the intention and purpose that he plays with. That’s very contagious. He’s a player that still has many layers and levels to go so I’m very happy to have him.”
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