As the Gunners gear up for a big Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal are hoping captain Martin Odegaard will be fit to play on Wednesday.
The midfielder is under selection consideration, having been out injured since October with a knee problem and back in full training.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed on Tuesday that Odegaard was about to play in Arsenal’s most recent match and might now rejoin the team in search of a fifth straight Champions League title.
Having his captain available once more will assist Arsenal, who have been one of the most reliable sides in Europe this year, in finding their groove, he confirmed.
The club insiders have been carefully monitoring Odegaard’s recovery over recent weeks; medical tests show continuous improvement and little risk of relapse. Many see his upcoming return as a well-timed encouragement before a challenging series of games.
Arsenal approach the game with great assurance following their dominant 4-1 triumph over Premier League opponents Tottenham.
Arteta encouraged his players to have the same intensity and authority on their European stage, characterizing the night as the kind of challenge they aim to have in this tournament.
In the English top flight, Arsenal leads by six points, but the coach stressed Bayern are still among their most difficult challenges this year.
Describing the match-up as an opportunity to evaluate Arsenal’s growth, he lauded the German champions for their consistency across all performance metrics.
Bayern striker Harry Kane will also draw attention since he has a stellar track record against the Gunners. Beginning the season well for Bayern, Kane has 15 goals in 21 games versus Arsenal and 24 goals in 18 matches for the German giants this season so far.
Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber acknowledged the difficulty of keeping the England captain under control and stated the team is eager to welcome them.
Kane, speaking ahead of the match, said Arsenal have matured since his departure from England and suggested he may stay at Bayern beyond 2027, describing the move as one of the best decisions of his career.
The heavyweight clash is expected to offer early clues about both teams’ credentials as they push for a place in the knockout round.
