The lengths Arsenal went to to hide Martin Odegaard's injury revealed

Sidelined for 66 days in total, Arsenal went to great lengths to keep the true extent of Martin Odegaard's injury a secret.

The Gunners captain has just returned from a long-term ankle injury he suffered in September, starting against Chelsea in the Premier League after a substitute appearance against Inter Milan in Europe.

It looked like bad news from the start for Odegaard, who was photographed on crutches and a protective boot limping towards a private jet shortly after his injury in September.

Prone to employing some rather unusual off-field tactics, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta He did it again with Odegaard, hinting that he could play next time against Tottenham even though he just suffered the injury.

Now, however, The Athletic has revealed that the club's efforts to keep opponents guessing went even further.

The outlet claims a ball was placed in front of the Norwegian's swollen ankle during the 2024/25 team photo to hide the damage.

They also point out that the club captain remained present with the team and traveled to games, something that is usually reserved for returning players.

However, making the seriousness of the situation clear, Arteta confirmed that the injury was 'significant' and Odegaard then mocked fans His return in October shows how long his recovery was.

If all this seems a bit much, it just goes to show how important Odegaard is to the north London club.

In 2024, with two and a half months on the sidelines, still located above big names including Cole Palmer and Luis Díaz for the opportunities created in the Premier League with 58.

In his first start since illness, Odegaard scored an assist for Gabriel Martenelli's first goal against Chelsea, leaving his manager stunned.

“I don't know any other player in the league who is capable of doing that after six weeks out,” Arteta said after the 1-1 draw. “He had a day and a half, a training session and a half.

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

To further emphasize this point, Arsenal Invincibles hero and talkSPORT presenter Ray Lounge He compared the 25-year-old player to his former teammate Dennis Bergkamp.

Asked what was missing after the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle, he said: “If you look at the midfield area, you have (Thomas) Partey. Declan Rice When he plays, (Mikel) Merino also comes in, very similar players, really. All very good players, don't get me wrong.

“But if Odegaard is there, he is that player who takes the ball in difficult situations. He sees the pass and creates opportunities.

“When I watched the Newcastle game, they needed a bit of creativity because Newcastle were very comfortable sitting in front of the defence. Newcastle's midfield had done a great job, by the way.

“He can simply contribute something more to the team, a little different from the other players they have.

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“It's a big mistake, but I don't know if he's fit or if he's recovered. If he's at 80 percent, I'd play him for 70 minutes, I'd do that.

“I wouldn't say he (Odegaard) is as good as Bergkamp, ​​but he is very similar in the way he can see the vision and create opportunities.

“What I'm saying is he can get into small areas, he's a very intelligent player. Watch his vision when he passes balls. He knows where the runs are going to come from. Against Newcastle, I didn't see that.” I didn't see the creativity in Arsenal's midfield.

“That's what he can bring to the team if he comes back at the weekend.”