Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that Martin Odegaard could start against Newcastle this weekend, even with only two days of training under his belt.
Odegaard has missed Arsenal’s last three matches across all competitions after aggravating a shoulder injury he first picked up in August.
The midfielder has been progressing well with his recovery, though, and is due to be in the squad for Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park.
Odegaard trained with Arsenal on Friday and is set to do so again on Saturday, with Arteta hinting that he may start against Newcastle.
“Martin certainly has the capacity not to do too much and not to train too much and go in two days and perform at the highest level, because he’s naturally a super-gifted, fit player,” said Arteta.
“He's been our starter so far this season and last season, unfortunately he’s picked some injuries and that’s why he has missed some matches.”
Arsenal have a poor recent record at St James’ Park, losing on their last three trips without scoring.
The Gunners did beat Newcastle back in May, however, in what was their final home match of last season.
“Every game will be different,” said Arteta. “I didn’t like the first minutes that we played at the Emirates against them.
“I liked other parts of it. There are a lot of parts I liked about the games we played at St James’ Park, but not especially when we conceded the goals. We will have to be better.
“I think the level is better. Their level will raise, our level will raise and we’re going to have to be at our best. If we do, we’re going to have a good chance to win the game.
“I always praise the work that Eddie [Howe] and the coaching staff have done there and the way they have managed to create such an atmosphere, especially at home and a very clear identity of playing football. They make it really difficult.
“We know the test, we know that we’re going to have to be much more efficient than we’ve been lately when we played up there to win the game. We're going to work on that in the next two days.”
