Martin Odegaard was sidelined for two months due to injury, missing 12 matches between September and October of last year. The timing of the setback was particularly unfortunate, as it came early in the season when Arsenal were counting on their key players to maintain momentum and deliver consistent performances.
The Norwegian midfielder sustained the injury while on international duty, disrupting what had been a promising start to his campaign. Prior to the incident, Odegaard had been in outstanding form, having completed an impressive season for both club and country. Expectations were high among supporters, many of whom anticipated he would elevate his performance even further during the current term.
However, since returning from injury at the beginning of November, Odegaard has struggled to recapture the same level of influence on the pitch. His performances have been noticeably less impactful, and questions have begun to surface regarding the reasons behind his dip in form.
Bukayo Saka also suffered an injury in December, and at the time, some suggested that Odegaard’s struggles were partly due to the absence of the dynamic English winger. However, even with Saka’s return to the squad, the Norwegian’s displays have not shown the improvement many fans were hoping for.
As the season nears its conclusion, concerns within the club have reportedly grown. According to Football Insider, Arsenal fear that Odegaard may still be experiencing the lingering effects of the injury, possibly affecting him on a long-term basis. This situation has led the club to consider their options in the transfer market, where they may look to secure a suitable alternative or additional creative presence in midfield.
Odegaard’s dip in form has not gone unnoticed, and while he remains a central figure in the squad, there is a growing hope that he can rediscover his rhythm in the final matches of the campaign. His leadership and technical ability remain highly valued, but regaining his top form will be crucial as Arsenal continue to push for success both domestically and in Europe.
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Florian Wirtz is likely out of our reach. Would have been an absolute necessity.
Guler could be a viable option. But we’ve got Nwaneri to deputize Odegaard while I’m not sure Guler would want to swap one bench for another.
Let Nwaneri have his chances in Odegaard’s position since our league position is already technically confirmed
Another player who fits Arsenal mold perfectly, I would make him one of our first signing, £135 mill should do the trick
It would seem there are those who are absolutely determined to find an excuse for the so called club captains lack of performances.
The injury he had was over 6 months ago. If he’s still being affected by it, then what’s he doing in the side.
Then there’s the question of is it because he’s become a Dad. Well he’s not the first player to become a Dad and he certainly won’t be the last. Now I hope he’s not got any personal issues regarding his child, and if he has I hope that he and his family can get them resolved. But again if he’s being affected by a personal issue, then what is he doing in the team.
Now here’s another thought, could it be that he’s not actually as good as people think he is. For me, he’s a good player but nothing more. And I have said it before and I’ll say it again, he should not be captain of this football club.
That honour should go to either Gabriel or Rice. Anyone who watched the Madrid games, cannot have failed to be impressed with how Rice grabbed both games by the scruff of the neck and ran the show. That’s what you call a captains performance.
Something the current incumbent miserably fails to produce on a consistent basis.
But all I hear is that he runs around a lot, and he’s good at the press. That may be, but that doesn’t warrant his place in the starting line up. I need more from my clubs captain than that.
I again refer you to Mr Rice’s Madrid performances to use as a gage as to what a club captain looks like.👍😉
Spot on!!!! Couldn’t have put it better myself.
Absolutely spot on second paragraph,was going to say the same but no point now .
Maybe competition from another midfielder could help raise his game
The effects of his injury may have had an impact on the form of our Captain, but , on a positive note, it has highlighted the need for a quality AM to provide real competition and to give us an alternative to the right sided emphasis which is a feature of our attacking play.While Nwaneri is promising, it’s asking too much of him to become the main focal point of our creativity.On the assumption that we will bring in at least one striker at the end of the season,Arteta may toy with the idea of Havertz providing that competition by using him as an AM where he did so well before his move to Chelsea .Neither Lokonga nor Vieira look to have the quality needed to replace Odegaard,even on a temporary basis.
When I have seen Martin playing recently, he has looked gaunt in the face.
I believe his wife gave birth to a son a short while ago, and through my own experience of managing very young babies (often causing me to fall asleep on the train to work).
I can understand why he might look off his game.
Again, just a thought
JW,
If your thought is correct, then what is he doing playing. If it’s affecting him that badly, it’s neither good for him or the team.