Theo Walcott has delivered a stark assessment of Martin Odegaard's situation at Arsenal, suggesting the club captain faces a monumental challenge to win back his starting role following Eberechi Eze's spectacular emergence.
Derby Day Delight Creates Selection Headache
Odegaard was an enforced absentee from Arsenal's emphatic 4-1 victory over rivals Tottenham on Sunday, sidelined with a knee injury he sustained back in October. In his absence, summer signing Eberechi Eze was handed a starting berth and seized the opportunity with both hands, delivering a stunning hat-trick that propelled the Gunners to a famous North London derby win.
Eze's man-of-the-match performance has effectively seen him replace Odegaard in the side, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with a significant selection dilemma. Walcott, speaking on the 'It's Called Soccer' show on The Overlap US, acknowledged the unity within the squad but suggested Odegaard would have watched Eze's display with a heavy heart.
A Necessary 'Kick Up the Backside'
"What was really nice to see is when you have a bench celebrating that much as well," Walcott observed. "They're all on the same page, they are, however, deep down, Martin Odegaard will be thinking: 'Oh, this is tough!'"
The former Arsenal winger did not shy away from his belief that this period of adversity could ultimately prove beneficial for the Norwegian playmaker. Walcott stated he feels Odegaard 'needed this kick up the backside', drawing parallels with the positive impact competition had on teammate Leandro Trossard.
"Sometimes you become a better player when you're injured sometimes, when you're losing games," Walcott added. "But at this moment in time, he's becoming a worse player. And you can't forget how good Odegaard is, and that's the mad truth, but we'll see a side of Odegaard we've not seen. I think he's needed this kick up the backside, I'll be brutally honest. It will be brilliant for him."
Imminent Return and Squad Competition
There is, however, a light at the end of the tunnel for the Arsenal skipper. Odegaard was reportedly very close to being fit for the Spurs game and is now expected to make his long-awaited return to the squad for the crucial upcoming fixtures.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the positive update, telling reporters: "We are going to have a meeting now to decide as well on Martin. He was very close for the previous game. We are hopeful that tomorrow he can be in the squad as well." This sets up a potential comeback against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday or in the Premier League clash with Chelsea on Sunday.
Walcott concluded by emphasising that this intense internal competition is a sign of Arsenal's strength, stating: "Everyone is getting pushed right now at Arsenal and we're in a good place, a better place, an incredible place." The battle for the creative midfield spot is well and truly on.
