Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his sympathy for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who suffered a significant ankle injury. Guardiola’s comments came ahead of the anticipated match between Manchester City and Arsenal, demonstrating the mutual respect among top football professionals.
Martin Odegaard, a key player for Arsenal, sustained a severe ankle injury while on international duty with Norway. The injury, described by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as “significant,” is expected to keep Odegaard out of action for around eight weeks. This news has been a major blow for Arsenal, as Odegaard’s creativity and leadership on the pitch have been crucial for the team.
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During a pre-match press conference, Guardiola expressed his disappointment at the news of Odegaard’s injury. “I am so sorry for him,” Guardiola said. “Always I like to play against the biggest and toughest squads. Odegaard is the captain of Arsenal and everybody knows he’s an important and exceptional player.” Guardiola’s empathy highlights his admiration for Odegaard’s ability and value to the Arsenal team.
Odegaard’s absence is a significant setback for Arsenal, as they have already felt the impact in recent matches, including the north London derby win and the goalless draw against Atalanta in the Champions League. With crucial games on the horizon, including the early title decider against Manchester City, Arsenal will need to find ways to cope without their influential captain.
Looking ahead, Guardiola acknowledged the depth of Arsenal’s squad, noting that the team has invested significantly in building a robust squad capable of handling such challenges. “Year by year, Arsenal get better because they invest a lot in the depth of their squad,” he said.
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