Why Martin Odegaard was absent for Arsenal vs Chelsea

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed the real reason behind Martin Odegaard's absence against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Gunners registered a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Blues earlier today. William Saliba broke the deadlock while Jurrien Timber was responsible for scoring the winning goal for the north London giants.

Odegaard was a surprise absentee from the matchday squad prior to the derby and Arteta revealed that the club did not want to risk him as he was not totally comfortable after the knee injury sustained at Brentford.

He said: "Martin is still not feeling totally comfortable with that knee injury, and we decided not to risk him."

Eberechi Eze started in the number 10 role in Odegaard's absence. The Englishman did not make a goal contribution but provided a solid performance over the course of 90 minutes.

The Gunners have a short turnaround with their next league game at Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night. Odegaard could be restricted to a cameo display if he were to make the squad.