{"id":82,"date":"2026-03-26T16:16:49","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T16:16:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/2026\/03\/26\/arsenal-get-a-boost-as-martin-odegaards-return-nears\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T16:16:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T16:16:49","slug":"arsenal-get-a-boost-as-martin-odegaards-return-nears","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/?p=82","title":{"rendered":"Arsenal get a boost as Martin Odegaard&#8217;s return nears"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"content-main\">\n<section class=\"social-sharing-top\">\n<p><span class=\"fb-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-facebook-f\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"#\" onclick=\"window.open('http:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=Arsenal get a boost as Martin Odegaard\u2019s return nears -&amp;url=https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/arsenal-get-a-boost-as-martin-odegaards-return-nears\/', 'twitterShare', 'width=626,height=436'); return false;\" title=\"Share This Post\"><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"twitter-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-x-twitter\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"whatsapp-but1\"><i class=\"fa fa-whatsapp fa-2\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"pinterest-but1\"><i class=\"fa-brands fa-pinterest-p\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Share<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"email-but\"><i class=\"fa fa-envelope fa-2\"\/><\/span><span class=\"social-text\">Email<\/span><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<p><!--social-sharing-top--><\/p>\n<p>As per sources, Arsenal can get a massive boost to the team. In this case, Martin Odegaard may be back from injury and available to play against Manchester City. Thus, strengthening the team before their intense Premier League clash for the title race.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-arsenal-receive-an-injury-boost\">Arsenal receive an injury boost<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/arsenalnews.co.uk\/2026\/03\/25\/arsenal-handed-timely-boost-as-martin-odegaard-could-return-before-man-city-game\/\" id=\"https:\/\/arsenalnews.co.uk\/2026\/03\/25\/arsenal-handed-timely-boost-as-martin-odegaard-could-return-before-man-city-game\/\">As per reports, Martin Odegaard might make it in time for the <strong\/> tough match against Manchester City. The club skipper was out with a knee problem and now he is pushing faster toward fitness according to updates. Early April could see him re-join the <strong\/> squad just before their visit to Etihad in the <strong\/>. It is a huge boost to Mikel Arteta and his team at such a crucial point of the season.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><picture><source data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155-600x338.jpg.webp 600w, https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155-768x432.jpg.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" type=\"image\/webp\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"Arsenal FC\" class=\"wp-image-144584 webpexpress-processed\" srcset=\"https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155-768x432.jpg 768w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" src=\"https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155.jpg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155.jpg\" alt=\"Arsenal FC\" class=\"wp-image-144584 webpexpress-processed\" srcset=\"https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155-600x338.jpg 600w, https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Arsenal-FC-155-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\"\/><\/source><\/picture><\/figure>\n<p>Midway through a tough part of the season, Arsenal could make use of their main playmaker back at the right moment. After ongoing issues following his latest injury Odegaard sat out multiple games. As a result, his influence was clearly missing up front. The team moved slowly in attack during the Carabao Cup loss to City. <\/p>\n<p>In this case, making things happen up front while controlling Arsenal when matches got tense. Talks now says he might be back for the game versus Southampton in the FA Cup, maybe even a bit later. Therefore, giving him time on the pitch ahead of traveling to Manchester.<\/p>\n<p>Back now, Martin Odegaard gives Arteta more than just clever passes. His steady presence and ability to create better flow through the middle are very crucial for the team. Right now, such shifts quietly tilt balance when games tighten. <\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-does-odegaard-s-comeback-mean\">What does Odegaard\u2019s comeback mean?<\/h2>\n<p>Just when Arsenal\u2019s season might depend on what comes next, Odegaard could step back in. Their path ahead mixes league battle plus Champions League matches. After the clash with Southampton they face Sporting CP, then Bournemouth, before facing Manchester City. Through all that, calm heads matter most as someone who sees plays before they happen will be very key to the squad.<\/p>\n<p>Midfield needs shape, vision and presence. These things he offers like only few others can. However, timing sometimes is everything. Now more than ever Arsenal need options and Odegaard\u2019s return could ease the strain. Fitness troubles are there leaving fewer choices in midfield. Eze will sit out with a calf injury and miss the Manchester City game. Others feel mindset effects from the Carabao Cup battle days earlier.<\/p>\n<p>At such a tight moment losing creativity would hurt the team badly. His presence might just steady things before pressure builds further. From the first whistle Odegaard shifts how Arsenal move through the pitch. Instead of just passing he connects the middle with the front line while reading when to close down space. Because of him the rhythm stays steady even under pressure, it is something vital when every touch counts.<\/p>\n<p>When facing a team such as Manchester City small differences decide the result of matches. With wingers, his timing opens up extra options and turning tight moments into chances to match strength with strength. Nothing matters more than seeing him step onto the pitch again. Arsenal stand tall now, yet the presence of their leader on the field shifts mindsets just when pressure builds ahead of a defining clash.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-author-s-opinion\">Author\u2019s Opinion<\/h2>\n<p>Arsenal get a positive news as Martin Odegaard is nearing his return from injury. As per sources, he might be available to play against Manchester City. Thus, it gives a huge boost to Mikel Arteta and his team to have their captain back on the pitch. <\/p>\n<p>Therefore, it will be interesting to see, What\u2019s next for Odegaard and Arsenal? Share your opinion in the comment below.<\/p>\n<div class=\"preferred-source-box\" style=\"margin-top:40px;padding:25px;background: #ba0001;border:1px solid #ddd;border-radius:8px;text-align:center;\">\n<h2 style=\"font-size:24px;margin-bottom:10px;color:#fff;\">ENJOYED THIS STORY?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"font-size:16px;margin-bottom:20px;color:#fff;\">\n<p>                    Add Football Express as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting\n                <\/p>\n<p>                    <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" style=\"max-width:260px;height:auto;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goal.com\/img\/google-trusted-source\/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.webp\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.goal.com\/img\/google-trusted-source\/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.webp\" alt=\"Add as a preferred source on Google\" style=\"max-width:260px;height:auto;\"\/><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"fe-author-box\" itemprop=\"author\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Person\">\n<div class=\"fe-author-avatar\">\n        <img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cadf56d9862134562914d260c59ebd39ca738c47824352486de975028565aa1d?s=200&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cadf56d9862134562914d260c59ebd39ca738c47824352486de975028565aa1d?s=100&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cadf56d9862134562914d260c59ebd39ca738c47824352486de975028565aa1d?s=100&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g\" srcset=\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/cadf56d9862134562914d260c59ebd39ca738c47824352486de975028565aa1d?s=200&amp;d=mm&amp;r=g 2x\" class=\"avatar avatar-100 photo\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" decoding=\"async\"\/>    <\/div>\n<div class=\"fe-author-content\">\n<h4 class=\"fe-author-name\" itemprop=\"name\">\n<p>                Piyush Wankhede<br \/>\n        <\/h4>\n<p class=\"fe-author-bio\" itemprop=\"description\">\n<p>                Piyush Wankhede is a junior football writer at Football Express, where he contributes articles covering news, developments, and ongoing discussions from across the football world. His writing focuses on presenting football stories in a clear and engaging way for readers following the sport closely.&#13;<br \/>\n&#13;<br \/>\nAt Football Express, Piyush works on producing informative content that highlights important moments, emerging narratives, and the broader dynamics influencing the game. Through his coverage, he aims to help football fans stay connected with the latest updates and conversations surrounding the sport.            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"mvp-org-wrap\" itemprop=\"publisher\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Organization\">\n<div class=\"mvp-org-logo\" itemprop=\"logo\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/football-express-scaled.webp\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/football-express-scaled.webp\"\/><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"url\" content=\"https:\/\/footballexpress.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/football-express-scaled.webp\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--mvp-org-logo--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"name\" content=\"Football Express\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><!--mvp-org-wrap--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--posts-nav-link--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--post-tags--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--social-sharing-bot--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t            \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--comments-button--><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!--comments-->\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Share Share Share Share Email As per sources, Arsenal can get a massive boost to the team. In this case, Martin Odegaard may be back from injury and available to play against Manchester City. Thus, strengthening the team before their intense Premier League clash for the title race. Arsenal receive an injury boost As per [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":83,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-82","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arsenal"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=82"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/83"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=82"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=82"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sportings.com.ng\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=82"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}