BBC reporter reveals what Martin Odegaard was seen doing immediately after being taken off against Sporting

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was seen engaged in a lengthy and animated discussion with manager Mikel Arteta after being substituted during the Gunners’ hard-fought 1-0 Champions League victory over Sporting CP on Tuesday night.

The Norwegian playmaker was replaced by Kai Havertz, who went on to score the winning goal, in the 70th minute.

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Before taking his place on the bench, Odegaard appeared to be explaining a physical issue to Arteta, pointing toward his leg while visibly grimacing.

According to BBC Sport Arsenal reporter Alex Howell: “Martin Odegaard comes off and seems to have a bit of a limp. He did have treatment before being replaced by Kai Havertz. He has a long talk with Mikel Arteta before sitting on the bench too.”

Arteta later confirmed in his post-match comments that while the substitution was “partly tactical,” it was also a “precautionary” measure given the player’s recent fitness struggles.

Martin Odegaard has had an injury marred season

The sight of Odegaard limping will be a major concern for Arsenal supporters, as the midfielder has endured a “nightmare” 2025/26 campaign plagued by recurring issues.

Odegaard injuries this season via transfermarkt

Having only recently returned to the starting lineup following a month-long layoff with a knee problem, this latest “muscular blow” in Lisbon puts his availability for the second leg and the critical Premier League run-in at risk.

With Arsenal currently missing Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber, losing their creative engine once again would be a catastrophic blow to their hopes of a historic European and domestic double.

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