Premier League leaders Arsenal are preparing to host European-chasing Everton on Saturday evening with significant question marks hanging over their creative department.
Mikel Arteta addressed the media this afternoon, confirming that while there are no fresh injury concerns following Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen, captain Martin Odegaard remains a major doubt.
The Norwegian playmaker has missed the last four matches with a persistent knee injury sustained at Brentford and did not travel to Germany in mid-week.
Arteta revealed that a final decision on Odegaard and fellow doubt Leandro Trossard will be made following consultation with the medical staff on Saturday morning.
Trossard missed the Leverkusen trip with a minor hip issue picked up during the FA Cup win at Mansfield Town.
The Gunners currently hold a seven point lead over Manchester City, though Pep Guardiola’s side possesses a game in hand.
Arteta noted that while the squad has navigated five games in a very short period, he may be forced to freshen up the side, potentially handing a starting role to Kai Havertz or Riccardo Calafiori to ensure the league lead remains intact before next weekend’s Carabao Cup final.