Latest update on Martin Odegààrd injury fears ahead of semi-final decider with PSG

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Arsenal captain Martin Odegààrd has put minds at ease regarding his fitness ahead of the crucial Champions League semi-final second leg decider  against Paris Saint-Germain.

The Norwegian international was seen limping off the pitch after Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, sparking concerns about his availability for the high-stakes match.

However, in a newly released interview with NBC Sports, Odegààrd downplayed the severity of the injury, stating that it was merely a bruise and that he was fit to play. “Yeah, I think it’s okay,” Odegaard said. “It was just a hit, so it’s a bit sore, but it’s fine.”

Odegààrd’s reassurance will be music to the ears of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who had yet to receive an update on the player’s fitness following the Bournemouth match.

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Arteta’s men trail 1-0 ahead of Wednesday’s second leg at the Parc des Princes, and Odegààrd’s availability will be crucial to their chances of progressing to the final.

The Arsenal skipper is confident that he and his teammates will be ready to give their all against PSG. “I want to affect the game as much as possible and be decisive,” Odegààrd added.

“I think that goes for all the players, and we’ve shown that now in many of the games in the Champions League, that we’re ready. We’re going to be ready for Wednesday night.”

Odegààrd also highlighted the importance of Thomas Partey’s return to the team after serving a suspension in the first leg.

“Thomas is a great player, and it’s great to have him behind you,” Odegààrd said. “He always gives you that protection. He’s so strong in the duels and good on the ball as well. It’s going to be a nice boost for us to have him for that game.”

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Arsenal’s recent three-game winless streak has left the team frustrated and disappointed, but Odegààrd believes that this can be channeled into a positive performance against PSG. “We’re frustrated and disappointed with the game [against Bournemouth],” he explained.

“We wanted to come here and win. We’re still playing in the league as well, and it was important for us to win. We have to use this in a positive way to be ready, to stick together, use that frustration and anger, and give everything on Wednesday.

With the support of their fans, Odegààrd is confident that Arsenal can make a strong impression in Paris. “The fans have been amazing all season, and we’ve seen them in away games in the Champions League, how much they give us. I’m grateful for that support, and hopefully, they bring the noise to Paris now.”

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