Why Martin Odegaard’s absence from Arsenal’s Europa League match against Sporting?
For Arsenal’s Europa League matchup against Sporting Lisbon, Mikel Arteta made six changes, and Martin Odegaard was absent due to illness.
Arsenal’s focus, however, continues to be on winning the Premier League. For the trip to Sporting on Thursday night, Arteta nevertheless selected a fairly strong team.
Matt Turner took over in goal for Aaron Ramsdale, and Jakub Kiwior made his first Arsenal start.
Granit Xhaka led the Gunners and started alongside Jorginho, Ben White, and Reiss Nelson, who had a standout performance for Arsenal against Bournemouth.
Furthermore, there was talk that World Cup-winning striker Gabriel Jesus might make his first appearance since then. Gabriel was seen in a training photo earlier this week.
Although the Brazilian was supposed to go to Portugal with his teammates, he ended up staying in London. Additionally, Odegaard did travel but stayed home as a safety measure due to illness.
Last weekend, Arsenal’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Bournemouth allowed them to reclaim a five-point lead over Manchester City.
Sunday’s Premier League matchup between the Gunners and Nottingham Forest must come before their last-16 Europa League matchup with Sporting.
Reacting to Arsenal’s team face Sporting, Gunners legend Martin Keown told BT Sport: ‘I think Mikel Arteta has picked a really good team tonight. Despite the six changes, there is still sufficient strength. They appear to be in good shape.
Sporting, who are currently fourth in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, will be Arsenal’s opponent. In addition, Sporting defeated Tottenham earlier in the season in the Champions League group stage.
Our goal is to prevail in every competition, according to Arteta. You must strive to succeed and give your all every day at a club like Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta
‘We have a lot of issues with players that we have missed, so we made six changes. Even though some of them aren’t even present, we have a strong squad.
‘Hopefully, he will take the opportunity,’ Arteta added about Kiwior’s full Arsenal debut. He has been working out very hard, and eventually, he must begin. I completely trust him.
