The build-up to an enticing match in the UCL league phase between Arsenal and Bayern Munich took a hitch on Monday. Four players were missing in the London Colney training. However, captain Martin Odegaard returned to the club after an eight match absence caused by injury setbacks. He even brought cheer into the camp of Mikel Arteta, before they play a 8pm match at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Ødegaard’s Boost: Creativity Restored
Sidelined since the start of October, Odegaard has been one of the key figures in Arsenal winning streak. It has been unbeaten in the top of both the Premier League and Champions League. The Norwegian playmaker has five goals and seven assists this season. The Gunners boss disclosed that Martin has performed very well during his rehab at the end of training. He is trying to do everything to be there, and we will judge him entirely tomorrow. His imagination might come in handy against a Bayern team that just suffered domestic injury setbacks in recent times at a time the high-pressing tactics of Arsenal have been on display without him.
The Missing Quartet: Depth Tested
The absences, however, deflate the excitement. Gabriel Magalhaes, the centre-back, has hamstring hurt during his international duty. He will be in the company of long-term injured Kai Havertz and new signing Viktor Gyokeres in the sidelines. Havertz has been away since August with an ankle knock. While Gyokeres has been out since September with a muscle strain have positive scans in rehab but are not available to play the Bayern test-their returns are being scouted at the weekend. Finally, as a bonus, there is 17-year-old midfielder Max Dowman, sidelined due to a small knock, which disqualifies him.
Gabriel Jesus is approaching complete fitness following ACL rehabilitation. He may soon come into the picture- the medical staff of the Gunners is a lean yet strong machine. Bayern on their part are looking forward to the return of Serge Gnabry and Joshua Kimmich. This would result in a match of chess.
Stakes High in Continental Crucible
Odegaard also snatches the right time to come back when Arsenal are pursuing a flawless League Phase record which may be the tipping point of a match full of history and stakes. The success would solidify their superiority in the continent yet such injury niggles is a stark reminder to the weakness of football.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
