Arsenal handed Martin Odegaard injury reality in Mikel Arteta theory as return date eyed

Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery has recently shared his belief that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta won't rush Martin Odegaard back from injury.

The Gunners' captain has been sidelined since September after suffering an ankle injury while playing for Norway. There were concerns that he could face a lengthy period out injured but football.london understands that he is close to returning.

It is understood that Odegaard is pushing hard to be available for Saturday's trip to Newcastle United. However, it is far more likely that he will make his return to the squad for next week's clash with Inter Milan in the Champions League.

But Dinnery shared his belief earlier this month that Arteta may be cautious to play him depending on the Gunners' results. Arsenal drew 2-2 at home to Liverpool last weekend and currently sit three points off league leaders Manchester City.

"If Arsenal are able to maintain that push, that then eases the pressure on Mikel Arteta having to make those decisions to potentially rush the likes of Martin Odegaard back," he said.

"If Arsenal are going out and they’re picking up three points week in and week out and they’re putting in good performances and they’re looking good and comfortable, then they might leave Odegaard on the bench. There is no need, they can give him another week.”

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Dinnery also shared at the time why Odegaard's injury is not as bad as first feared. "We’ve seen him running on the Alter G treadmill, which is a positive step," he explained.

"It shows that he’s progressing through that recovery and rehab period fairly well. By his own admission, Mikel Arteta said that he was slightly ahead of schedule, (with) that calm boot removed. Probably be a little bit quicker.

"There’s always a little bit of smoke and mirrors with regards to players and returns and particularly, I don’t think the apple falls far from the tree when we talk about Arteta and Pep Guardiola, he’s had a good teacher with him.

"They’re going to play their cards very close to the chest. But for me, I think there were initial concerns that we were looking at something that could have been fairly substantial and lengthy.

"I think the prognosis was probably slightly better and certainly where we’re at now in terms of that level of progression. I would be fairly optimistic, confident that we’re looking at a return before the next international break."