By Kayode John
Arenal manager Mikel Arteta, has suggested captain Martin Odegaard could be available for Sunday’s North London derby at Tottenham Hotspur.
Norway midfielder Odegaard sustained an ankle injury last Monday during a UEFA Nations League clash against Austria and there were fears he could miss a few Arsenal fixtures.
However, Arteta hinted on Friday that there was a chance Odegaard could feature against the Gunners’ fierce rivals on Sunday.
“We need some more tests, so let’s see what happens in the next day or so, and see what happens with the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back,” the Spaniard said.
“He is super positive about everything, we know Martin, he wants to be there every single day, but we have to wait and see.
“With 48 hours until the game, players could always become available, but let’s see what happens.”
The 42-year-old also said Gabriel Jesus was back in training while new signing, Riccardo Calafiori is still out.
Arteta added that Raheem Sterling, who moved to the Emirates Stadium on loan from Chelsea on the deadline day of the summer transfer window, is eager to get on the pitch.
“He looks great. First of all because he has a big smile on his face, a lot of energy. He’s at it and he wants to prove a point,” he said.
“When someone has got that in his belly you sense it straight away. Obviously, I don’t need to discover anything about his quality and what he can bring to the team.”
