Martin Odegaard Injury Update: Could Arsenal Captain Return vs Bayern Munich Tonight?

Martin Odegaard has delivered a fresh injury update as Arsenal prepare for a huge Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich tonight. The Gunners captain is back in full training and is pushing for a return after missing nearly two months with an MCL issue. His update arrives at a crucial moment for Arsenal’s midfield depth.

Arsenal confirmed that Odegaard has been progressing well after suffering MCL damage in early October. His absence has been felt during key Premier League and Champions League fixtures. Now he may finally rejoin the squad as Mikel Arteta faces a demanding run of matches.

Odegaard Injury Progress Explained Ahead of Bayern Munich Clash

Odegaard admitted he was disappointed to miss Arsenal’s North London Derby win over Tottenham. He said he trained hard all week to make the Derby squad but was not fully ready for selection. He stressed that he is “getting close now,” which aligns with Arsenal’s medical updates.

The midfielder has been out since suffering MCL damage during a 2-0 win over West Ham in early October. Before that, he also battled shoulder issues, which disrupted the start of his season. He has only made one Champions League appearance and six Premier League appearances so far, making this his most stop-start campaign since joining Arsenal.

Arsenal medical staff have taken a cautious approach because of the nature of the injury. Trusted outlets such as BBC News and Reuters have previously noted that MCL injuries often require careful loading to prevent setbacks. Odegaard trained fully at London Colney on Tuesday and looks physically sharp again based on training-ground images released by the club.

His potential return comes at an important time. Arsenal face Bayern Munich tonight in a must-perform Champions League group fixture. The match sits at the midpoint of a difficult schedule that includes a weekend Premier League trip to Chelsea.

Odegaard also spoke highly of teammate Eberechi Eze, who scored a hat-trick against Tottenham. With Eze in top form, Odegaard knows he will need to compete strongly for his starting place. That level of competition strengthens Arsenal during the busy winter period.

Arsenal have no major new injury concerns beyond Gabriel, who awaits further assessment on a thigh issue. Viktor Gyokeres remains out with a muscular injury and did not train Tuesday. Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke are both competing for starting roles on the wings tonight.

What Odegaard’s Return Means for Arsenal

If Odegaard is cleared for minutes tonight, Arsenal will gain leadership, creativity, and stability in midfield. His passing range and control in the final third have been missing in big matches. Bayern Munich’s midfield press demands composure, and Odegaard provides exactly that.

His return also allows Arteta to rotate Eze, Madueke, and Havertz more flexibly. Arsenal will need energy and tactical versatility to manage the volume of fixtures over the next month. Odegaard’s leadership as captain becomes crucial during such periods.

In the long term, Arsenal will hope this is the end of Odegaard’s injury setbacks. Consistency was one of his strengths last season, and a strong winter run could help stabilise Arsenal’s Champions League and Premier League campaign.

Martin Odegaard’s injury update marks a positive moment for Arsenal as they welcome Bayern Munich to London. If he returns tonight, it would be one of the biggest boosts of their season so far. Arsenal now wait for final clearance from the medical team.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Martin Odegaard playing tonight against Bayern Munich?

He is in full training and could return to the squad. Final clearance will depend on the pre-match medical decision. Arsenal will confirm the line-up closer to kick-off.

Q2: What injury kept Martin Odegaard out?

He suffered MCL damage in early October. The injury required careful rehabilitation to avoid setbacks. He also had a minor shoulder issue earlier in the season.

Q3: How long has Martin Odegaard been out?

He has missed nearly two months of action. His last appearance came in early October. He has only played once in the Champions League this season.

Q4: Will Odegaard start or come off the bench?

At this stage, he is more likely to start from the bench due to fitness management. Arteta may introduce him based on match rhythm. A full start would be unlikely unless he receives full medical clearance.

Q5: Who replaces Odegaard if he cannot start?

Eberechi Eze is the current favourite after his hat-trick vs Tottenham. Kai Havertz is also an option in the advanced midfield role. Arsenal have depth in attacking midfield positions.