Odegaard's absence has hit hard as Arsenal lack creative spark

WITH football's busy festive period fast approaching, at the top of Mikel Arteta's wishlist will be having Martin Odegaard fit and firing again.

- Simon Collings

Arsenal have lacked creativity in attack this season, and it is no coincidence that has come at the same time as Odegaard struggling.

The midfielder has missed Arsenal's past two games after being injured in training this time last week.

Odegaard is hoping he will be fit enough to return for the home match against Burnley tomorrow, but if not he should be back in action after the international break.

He has been named in the Norway squad for their games against Faroe Islands and Scotland next week and a decision as to whether he goes will be made after the Burnley game.

Arteta's injury headache extends beyond Odegaa especially in attack.

Strikers Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus are doubts for tomorrow's game, while Bukayo Saka limped off against Sevilla on Wednesday.

Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey will definitely be absent, with the latter undergoing a minor procedure on his thigh earlier this month that will force him to be sidelined until next year.