💥 BREAKING NEWS: Mikel Arteta delivers uncertain update on Martin Ødegaard injury ahead of Arsenal’s crucial clash with Everton ⚡.MH

Arsenal’s title push could hinge on one crucial decision this weekend — and it all depends on the fitness of their captain.

Arteta Issues Key Martin Ødegaard Injury Update Ahead of Everton Clash as Arsenal Await Crucial Fitness Calls

Arsenal’s preparations for their upcoming Premier League clash with Everton have been overshadowed by growing concern over Martin Ødegaard’s injury situation.

With the Gunners battling across multiple competitions, the availability of their captain could prove decisive in the crucial stage of the season.

Manager Mikel Arteta has now provided a fresh update, though his comments suggest the situation remains uncertain as the club waits for final medical assessments.

Ødegaard Still Battling Knee Issue

Martin Ødegaard has not played for Arsenal since his brief substitute appearance in the emphatic north London derby victory over Tottenham last month, where he managed to contribute an assist.

However, the Norwegian midfielder has been struggling to fully recover from a persistent knee problem that has disrupted his season.

The injury has already forced him to miss four consecutive matches across all competitions, raising concerns among fans about how long Arsenal could be without one of their most influential players.

Norway national team manager Ståle Solbakken recently added to those concerns by suggesting Ødegaard might not return until late March at the earliest.

If that timeline proves accurate, Arsenal could face several important fixtures without their creative leader.

Arteta’s Careful Response

Speaking ahead of Everton’s visit to the Emirates Stadium, Arteta avoided offering any guarantees regarding the captain’s availability.

Instead, the Arsenal manager delivered a cautious assessment.

“Let’s see,” Arteta said when asked about the possibility of Ødegaard returning.

“We will have to wait and see, speak to the doctors on whether they are involved or not.”

The statement reflects the club’s cautious approach toward injuries, particularly given the demanding schedule Arsenal face in both domestic and European competitions.

Trossard Also a Doubt

Ødegaard is not the only player Arsenal are monitoring.

Leandro Trossard also remains a fitness concern after picking up a knock during Arsenal’s 2–1 FA Cup victory over Mansfield last week.

The Belgian attacker was substituted during that match and subsequently missed Arsenal’s Champions League Round of 16 draw against Bayer Leverkusen.

Although Trossard returned to training at London Colney ahead of the European fixture, Arteta ultimately chose not to include him in the squad.

His availability for the Everton game will also depend on the medical staff’s final evaluation.

Arsenal Could Soon Have a Nearly Full Squad

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Ødegaard and Trossard, Arsenal’s overall injury situation has improved significantly.

If both players are cleared to play, Arteta could have almost a fully fit squad available for the weekend’s match.

Currently, the only confirmed long-term absentee is Mikel Merino, who is expected to miss several months after undergoing surgery for a rare foot injury earlier this year.

That improvement in squad health could arrive at a perfect time for Arsenal, who remain involved in both the Premier League title race and the Champions League knockout stages.

Everton Also Facing Selection Questions

Everton, meanwhile, are also dealing with a few injury concerns ahead of their trip to North London.

Manager David Moyes hopes defender Jarrad Branthwaite will be available after he was forced off late in Everton’s 2–0 win over Burnley due to fatigue.

The Toffees will still be without Jack Grealish, who is currently on loan from Manchester City and has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after surgery on a stress fracture in his foot.

Everton captain Seamus Coleman could return from a minor injury, though Charly Alcaraz remains unavailable.

A Crucial Match for Arsenal

With Arsenal chasing silverware on multiple fronts, the upcoming fixture against Everton carries significant importance.

Matches like these often prove decisive in title races — especially when facing disciplined opponents capable of frustrating attacking teams.

For Arteta, the hope will be that key players such as Ødegaard and Trossard can return to strengthen the squad.

Because when Arsenal’s captain is on the pitch, the team’s creativity and attacking fluidity often reach a different level.

For now, however, the situation remains uncertain.

And Arsenal fans will be waiting anxiously for the final word from the club’s medical staff.