£30m Arsenal star hints he is unavailable for Everton game after "knee injury"

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has hinted that he won’t be available against Everton in the Premier League this evening.

The Gunners return to league action for the first time since March 4, having recently played in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Ahead of the game, manager Mikel Arteta said that Odegaard will need to be assessed by the club’s doctors for his knee injury.

The Norwegian suffered the concern during Brentford’s equaliser on the road (1-1) last month.

The club captain made his comeback with an assist off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur, but has not been comfortable to play since.

In the matchday programme before the Everton game, the £30 million signing has now clearly hinted that he won’t be in the matchday squad.

Odegaard said he is ‘desperate’ to get back to playing as soon as he can after his recent ‘knee injury’.

He added that he is working as hard as possible to get back to full fitness.

The 27-year-old said: “After a few away games recently, it’s great to be back home in front of our own supporters again this afternoon.

“I’m desperate to get back to playing as soon as I can. It’s been difficult for me with the knee injury lately, but I’m working as hard as I can to get back to full fitness now.

“The main thing is to be 100% again, and make sure I can properly help the team.”

Odegaard has endured an injury-plagued campaign with the Gunners. He had a tough first half to the season, which was interrupted by three freak injuries.

His bad fortune with injuries has continued after the turn of the year. The attacker was in good league form before the knock sustained against the Bees.

Odegaard has made six goal contributions in his last nine league appearances, and his absence is an obvious concern for the Gunners in the short term.

Judging by his comments, it looks like he may not return to action until after the March international break, though manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping that he can at least make the bench for the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City next weekend.

Eberechi Eze has had a regular run in the central attacking position over the past month, but we anticipate Kai Havertz to slot into the role against the Toffees this evening.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

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