William Saliba expresses that everyone at Arsenal is “so happy” to see Martin Odegaard back in action, describing the captain as one of the “top three” midfielders in the world.
Odegaard sustained an ankle injury during international duty with Norway in early September, which sidelined the 25-year-old for 12 Arsenal matches.
The Norwegian’s absence coincided with a poor run of results for Arsenal, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool.
However, Odegaard returned to form over the weekend, assisting Bukayo Saka for his second consecutive assist as Arsenal secured a 3-0 victory at home against Nuno Espirito Santo’s challenging Nottingham Forest.
Odegaard also impressed in Arsenal’s dominant 5-1 Champions League win over Sporting, drawing the foul from Ousmane Diomande that led to Saka’s second-half penalty in Lisbon.
As Arsenal claimed a comfortable three points, Arteta substituted Odegaard with 12 minutes remaining to keep him fresh for Saturday’s trip to West Ham.
“I think we had two or three tough weeks before the international break, but now we’ve come back and played two really good games,” Saliba told Arsenal’s official website after the win.
“But it’s not enough. We have to keep going like this, and we have a big game on Saturday.
“It’s good for confidence that we won today, but let’s keep going like this.
“The coach always tells us to believe because we’re a very good team. We’ve had tough times, but better times are coming, so we must stick together and keep pushing forward.”
Saliba praised Odegaard as one of the most complete midfielders in the world.
“I think he’s one of the best midfielders in the world, and we’re so happy to have him back. We’re better with him, so I hope he doesn’t get injured again. Of course, we enjoy playing with him. Since he’s returned, we’ve been better,” the Arsenal and France defender said.
“He’s top three [in the world]. I don’t want to put too much pressure on him, but I believe he’s top three. I love this guy.
“He worked hard during his recovery, so I’m not surprised he came back like this. But it’s not easy to perform at this level after four weeks out. I’m not shocked, though; he’s a top professional.”
On reaching his 100th appearance for Arsenal, Saliba commented: “I’m very proud.
“I hope to play more games for this amazing club.
“I need to keep pushing forward, but of course, reaching 100 games here is incredible.”