Why Martin Odegaard is unlikely to feature for Arsenal against Chelsea
Why Martin Odegaard is unlikely to feature for Arsenal against Chelsea
Arsenal sign Odegaard
Arsenal’s creative woes from last season have been addressed somewhat, as Martin Odegaard is set to rejoin the club from Real Madrid, this time on a permanent basis.
Martin Ødegaard to Arsenal, here we go and deal confirmed! Permanent move – bit less than €40m to Real Madrid. Personal terms already agreed on five years contract. 🇳🇴 #AFC
Edu and Arteta wanted Ødegaard as only priority since June, strategy was correct… and now, done deal. pic.twitter.com/2LCaiEiKD0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 18, 2021
The Norwegian spent the latter half of last season on loan at the Emirates, but has been convinced to make the switch permanent ahead of the upcoming season. He will join the club in addition to goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is set to make a big-money switch from Sheffield United.
Unlikely to face Chelsea
It had been hoped that Arsenal would be able to field Odegaard in their tie against Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, with the Guardian journalist Freddie Paxton reporting that he would make the cut.
Martin Ødegaard will be in the #AFC squad to face Chelsea on Sunday.
— Freddie Paxton (@Freddie_Paxton) August 18, 2021
However, this no longer seems to be the case. Despite being double vaccinated and thus not having to quarantine, Football.London journalist Chris Wheatley now reports that Odegaard is “unlikely” to be ready to face the Blues.
Martin Ødegaard has passed his Arsenal medical but is unlikely to play against Chelsea – he’s currently waiting for a visa to be granted.
Ramsdale undergoing his medical now and expected to be in the squad for Sunday’s game. #AFC
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) August 19, 2021
This is a result of the Norwegian waiting on a visa to be granted for him to play in England once again. Arsenal have until midday on Friday to register the 22-year-old to play, but judging from the latest update, it isn’t looking promising.
However, there will be no such problems for Ramsdale, who is expected to take his place on the bench for the encounter.
Just how big of a blow could the lack of Odegaard prove to be?
