Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been targeting a comeback from injury ahead of the North London Derby against Tottenham, and has sent a message to fans for the big clash
Martin Odegaard has revealed he is "getting closer" to a return from injury ahead of Arsenal's clash against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners will host Spurs in the North London Derby on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates Stadium, as they aim to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal have a three-point lead over Chelsea in the Premier League table, and it remains to be seen if Odegaard will make his return from the injury against Tottenham.
The Norway international has returned to training for the first time since picking up the injury in recent days, with Odegaard having missed each of Arsenal's last seven matches across all competitions.
Ahead of the clash against Tottenham in the North London Derby, Odegaard has offered an update on his recovery from the injury to give encouragement that a return is not too far away.
"This week I’ve been working really hard on my rehab – it’s going very well. I can feel I’m getting closer every day and getting towards the final stages where it's a lot more exciting," said Odegaard in his programme notes for Sunday's North London Derby.
"I’ve been doing some pitch work and training, so I really feel like I'm getting there. That's the best part of the rehab, when you're getting closer to joining the team, you can do a lot more on the pitch and you can be more aggressive in the rehab.
"I feel like I'm getting stronger and stronger. I can't wait to be back now, we're on a good path and it's looking good. I'm really excited.
"I guess that's one of the good things about being injured. You get hungrier and more excited to play football again. That's the good part of it, I’m desperate to get going again."
Arsenal will still have some injury concerns to deal with when they take on Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.
Gabriel Magalhaes suffered an injury over the international break during a friendly match with Brazil. Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are also on the injury list for Arsenal.
Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Riccardo Calafiori could also make their returns from injury for the clash against Tottenham.