Martin Odegaard injury update emerges as Arsenal captain spotted at the Emirates during win vs Southampton

If Arsenal didn’t necessarily miss Martin Odegaard too much in their away performances at Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, they’re certainly missing their captain right now.

In the away performances mentioned, Arsenal leaned on their ‘dark arts’, they often played without the ball and Odegaard’s absence was minimalised in effect.

However, in winnable home games against Leicester City and Southampton, Arsenal haven’t exactly made things look easy.

Mikel Arteta’s side left it incredibly late against Jamie Vardy and co at the Emirates Stadium and then also fell behind against Southampton.

Arsenal weren’t able to control the game quite in their usual fashion, and Odegaard’s ability on the ball was missed, in similar vein to Ben White.

Martin Odegaard spotted without his protective boot at the Emirates

Arsenal fans will hope that both are back swiftly after the international break, two crucial members of Arteta’s first eleven.

In White’s situation, that should be the case, especially given that he won’t be going away with England.

Although, it’s a bit more uncertain in terms of Odegaard, even if there was good news at the Emirates on Saturday.

During the 3-1 over Southampton, Odegaard was spotted at the game, supporting his teammates and watching Kai Havertz dominate for Arsenal.

And spotted via a reliable fan at the game, Odegaard was seen walking around without a protective boot for his ankle, a significant step.

It would still seem too soon for an immediate return after the upcoming international break but it certainly bodes well for a return before we head into the busy festive calendar.

Tyler Dibling stars for Southampton despite Arsenal win

Looking ahead to the future, Arsenal may have spotted a talent who they can pursue in the future in similar fashion to Theo Walcott.

Tyler Dibling was brilliant for Southampton against Arsenal, delivering the kind of performance that Arteta won’t be able to ignore.

The Gunners already have the likes of Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly coming through, a strong cohort of English talent.

And perhaps Arsenal might consider adding Dibling to that group next summer once Raheem Sterling’s loan expires.

But for now, all in N5 will just be hoping for a speedy Odegaard return, who may not have afforded Dibling so much space in the middle of the pitch on Saturday.