Arteta gives updates on Odegaard & Saliba after Forest clash

Arsenal picked up a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Emirates Stadium yesterday.

The Gunners faced a potential banana skin against the Tricky Trees with the early kick-off.

The hosts dominated proceedings in the opening half and eventually scored from a stellar Martin Zubimendi volley from outside the box.

Viktor Gyokeres doubled the lead immediately after the break. Zubimendi added more gloss to the performance with the Gunners’ third goal.

Despite the solid win, the Gunners faced another injury scare as Martin Odegaard sustained a shoulder injury similar to the one against Leeds United.

When asked for an update after the game, Arteta said the Gunners captain was not comfortable continuing and he will be assessed by the doctors.

The Spanish tactician was optimistic that Odegaard could be fit to face Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League curtain-raiser at San Mames on Tuesday.

He told Arsenal.com: “Yes, very similar. I don’t know if it’s exactly the same place but it’s a very similar injury.

“He wasn’t comfortable continuing, he’s played two games with Norway, unfortunately he cannot carry on today.

“So we have to assess him with the doctors and see but I’m sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday.”

When pressed on William Saliba’s fitness, the manager said that the Frenchman did the whole session on Friday.

However, he decided to be more cautious with the centre-back and hinted the 24-year-old could return against Athletic.

Arteta added: “He trained yesterday and he did the whole session and he was OK. I spoke to him afterwards and he said I think I need a few more days.

“The turnaround has been too quick for the extent of the injury so when a player says that, don’t push it. I think Mosquera was very, very good.”

Arsenal were without Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus for the game, while Odegaard was substituted in the early stages. Declan Rice was only a substitute.

Despite this, the Gunners secured a comfortable victory at the Emirates. This exhibits the quality and depth in the squad this term.

Cristhian Mosquera looks an incredible signing already. He has been exceptional in central defence and has seamlessly replaced Saliba.

Arsenal had a new-look attack of Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke. They still created plenty of chances in the game.

Hence, injuries are no longer a major talking point for the Gunners. Arteta did the right thing by not rushing Saliba back to action.

Saliba should return for the Champions League curtain-raiser against Athletic in the Basque Country.

Odegaard will be assessed and could make the matchday squad for Tuesday’s encounter.

Saka is not far from making a comeback. The England international could return in time for the Manchester City clash next weekend.

Stats from Sofascore.com

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