Arsenal will be missing yet another key figure of their squad on Sunday in the North London Derby. Midfielder Martin Odegaard has tested positive for COVID-19 which also resulted in him being sidelined for the Gunners' Carabao Cup semifinal clash with Liverpool on Thursday.
Martin Odegaard has tested positive for Covid-19 and will likely miss the North London Derby 🔴 pic.twitter.com/P81g2trVtz
— GOAL News (@GoalNews) January 13, 2022
Arsenal initially had some hope the Norwegian could return for the massive fixture vs. Tottenham due to England's new quarantine rules, which state that people who test positive for the virus will only need to isolate for five days instead of the initial seven. However, that change doesn't come into effect until Monday.
Mikel Arteta's side is already dealing with a host of absences due to injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations. Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are representing their respective countries, while Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu are battling minor injuries.
Odegaard has shown well for Arsenal this term, making 18 appearances (14 starts) while scoring four goals and supplying three assists. With a victory on Sunday, the Gunners would move above West Ham and into a Champions League spot. It will not be easy with a depleted midfield, however, as Granit Xhaka was handed a straight red against Liverpool on Thursday which means he'll be unavailable against Tottenham as well.
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