Martin Odegaard has been left out of the Arsenal squad to face Newcastle United amid concerns over his fitness.
The club captain was an unused substitute last time out in the Premier League, with manager Mikel Arteta later confirming he was dealing with muscle overload and was set to have his minutes managed.
Odegaard came off the bench in midweek and scored in the 3-1 Carabao Cup loss to West Ham United and, during Friday’s press conference, Arteta had suggested the 24-year-old could return to the starting lineup against Newcastle.
However, when Arsenal’s team sheet was unveiled, Odegaard was nowhere to be seen.
In response to questions over Odegaard’s whereabouts, Arsenal tweeted: “Martin Odegaard not fit for today’s squad.”
Arsenal are already dealing with a number of fitness issues, with Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe and Jurrien Timber all currently sidelined.
With three midfielders all battling fitness problems, Arteta has limited options to select from and has opted for a starting trio of Jorginho, Declan Rice and Kai Havertz to take on Newcastle, with the Italy international wearing the captain’s armband in Odegaard’s absence.
Takehiro Tomiyasu stars at left-back in place of Oleksandr Zinchenko, while Gabriel Magalhaes is back in the starting lineup as Jakib Kiwior drops back to the bench.
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