Arsenal have been dealt a significant blow ahead of their Premier League trip to Brentford after captain Martin Odegaard was ruled out of the Saturday evening clash.
The Norwegian playmaker missed the final training session before the match after entering the concussion protocol, following a head injury sustained during the dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolves last weekend.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the disappointing news in his pre-match press conference, stating: "He's still not training. So, no chances for tomorrow."
Arteta's Selection Headache
Odegaard's absence creates a major creative void in the Arsenal midfield, forcing Arteta to reconsider his tactical approach for the crucial London derby. The captain has been instrumental in Arsenal's title charge this season, pulling the strings from midfield with his vision and technical quality.
This development comes at a particularly inopportune time for the Gunners, who are locked in a fierce three-way battle for the Premier League crown alongside Manchester City and Liverpool.
Silver Lining for Gunners
Despite the setback regarding their skipper, Arteta did have some positive news to share with the Arsenal faithful. Both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are available for selection after recovering from their own fitness concerns.
"They are both available," Arteta confirmed. "They've trained well and they're ready."
The return of Saka, in particular, will provide a welcome boost to Arsenal's attacking options as they look to maintain their position at the top of the table.
Concussion Protocol Takes Precedence
Odegaard's absence underscores the strict adherence to concussion protocols in modern football. Player welfare has become paramount, with clubs following rigorous medical guidelines to ensure head injuries are treated with utmost caution.
While frustrating for fans and manager alike, this precautionary approach reflects the evolving understanding of head trauma in contact sports and the long-term importance of player health.
All eyes will now be on how Arteta reshuffles his pack without his influential captain as Arsenal face a potentially season-defining match at the Gtech Community Stadium.
