Martin Odegaard leads the Premier League statistics ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool stars despite absence due to injury

Martin Odegaard showed exactly why it was a big mistake for Arsenal when he returned against Chelsea.

The midfielder, despite a calendar year interrupted by injury, continues to lead the creative statistics.

Odegaard has created 62 chances from open play in 2024, three ahead of the Blues midfielder Cole Palmerwhile Liverpool winger Luis Díaz follows closely with 58.

That's despite the Gunners superstar missing 15 top-flight games through injury.

Odegaard set up Gabriel Martinelli's opening goal in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday and created four chances in the match.

Speaking about the captain's return, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “I don't know any other player in the league who is capable of doing that after six weeks out. He had a day and a half, a training session and a half.

“Being physically and mentally connected like I was with the team is incredible.”

Arsenal fans were concerned because their captain, who also wears the Norway armband, was recently called up.

But to his relief, he retired and will continue his rehabilitation at Hale End.

In 122 Premier League games, Odegaard has 31 goals and 24 assists, as well as acting as a key leader on the pitch.

The gooners are still waiting for a three-of-a-kind midfield Declan RiceMikel Merino and Odegaard, who have not yet started together.

Arsenal Fans can also be happy with the timing of the international break, after enduring a poor run of form that could have taken them out of the title race.

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The north London club will have to make history to win its first title since 2004 as the only city ​​of manchester in 2020/21 they have won the Premier League with just 18 points after ten games, a season in which pep guardiola It had no close competitors.

Many believe Odegaard's lack of creative outlet has been a major factor, following an ankle injury he suffered while playing for Norway in September.

Arteta's team was unable to unlock middle or lower blocks, often relying on Bukayo Saka He opened himself wide to be the creator, sending in crosses regularly in the hope that Kai Havertz would return home.

Despite having Gabriel Martinelli with blistering pace on the left wing, they lacked the transition speed to catch teams restless in their formation, as passes were often inaccurate and slow.