Arteta Discusses Odegaard's Absence and New Injury Setbacks Following Arsenal's FA Cup Victory

Mikel Arteta has shed light on Martin Odegaard's absence from Arsenal's FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic on Sunday, revealing that the Norwegian midfielder sustained an injury during the midweek draw at Brentford. Arteta also confirmed two new injury worries following the Gunners' convincing 4-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal comfortably progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup, with goals from Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and a Jack Hunt own goal securing the victory. However, the Gunners' manager was forced to make do without Odegaard, who had come on as a substitute in the previous match against Brentford.

Odegaard, who started the Brentford game on the bench, replaced Eberechi Eze in the second half. He played a part in Arsenal taking the lead through Noni Madueke's header but picked up a knock during Brentford's equalizing goal. Although he completed the match, Odegaard was not fit enough to feature against Wigan.

"Martin we'll have to wait and see. He picked up that knock on the action when we conceded the goal [against Brentford] and he wasn't fit for today," Arteta stated after the FA Cup win.

Arteta also reported two new injury concerns from the Wigan match. Riccardo Calafiori, who was expected to start, was replaced by Bukayo Saka in the warm-up after pulling up. Additionally, Ben White was substituted late in the game.

"[Calafiori] and Ben are the only doubts," Arteta added. "We have to wait and see in the next 48 hours how things develop."

Arsenal is already without Kai Havertz due to a muscle injury and Mikel Merino, who is recovering from foot surgery. Arteta emphasized the need for players to return to fitness to provide more options in midfield.

"That's the trickiest part," Arteta said. "Before it was the strikers, then it was the defenders, now it's the midfielders. But we are still coping with that, but we need some players back and fit, to give us as well not only numbers but different options in relation to the opponents that we have."

Despite the injury concerns, Arteta praised his team's performance against Wigan, highlighting their desire and cohesion. Arsenal will look to build on this victory when they face bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Wednesday.

Wolves secured their spot in the next round of the FA Cup with a win over Grimsby but remain 18 points from safety in the Premier League, with just 12 games left to play.