Martin Odegaard's personal news prompts Arsenal response ahead of Fulham clash

Martin Odegaard and partner Helene Spilling welcomed a baby boy into the world, as confirmed on the player's Instagram.

The Arsenal captain and his partner had initially announced they were expecting a child back in August. As the pair took to Instagram to share the news, Spilling wrote: "01/12/2024. We love you so much, our little baby boy."

Odegaard shared the post to his Instagram which prompted a response from Arsenal among thousands of comments. It read: "Congratulations," followed by a love heart.

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Kai Havertz also left a message while Manchester City's Erling Haaland liked the post. It's understood the birth was last Sunday following Arsenal's midweek 5-2 win over West Ham.

The 25-year-old midfielder is expected to be involved in Arsenal's game at Fulham on Sunday (2pm). Prior to his return from injury last month, Odegaard was out of action for two months with an ankle injury.

"I feel good, I think every game it’s getting better," he previously said. "Being out for eight or nine weeks, it takes a little bit of time to get that rhythm back and to get full match fitness, but I felt pretty good.

"I think I’ve done a good job being out and working hard, so I feel good now. It was the longest I’ve been out. I can’t remember anything else that I’ve had that’s been so long, so it was something new to me.

"I’m not used to watching the games from the stand and not training with the team, so it was hard but the only thing you can do is work hard every day to make sure you come back as soon as possible stronger and better."

Following City's 2-2 draw to Crystal Palace, Arsenal will have the opportunity to extend their lead to four points from the reigning champions. Liverpool meanwhile, will not be in action this weekend after the Merseyside Derby was called off due to Storm Darragh.