Mikel Arteta gives mixed updates on Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard despite recall plans

Arsenal boss admits Declan Rice has been dealt an injury blow - but is positive about the imminent return of Martin Odegaard.

The Gunners have had to deal with numerous absentees this term with their captain and playmaker sidelined for a number of games. He and have missed his creativity as they struggle for form in recent weeks.

Odegaard has resumed training as he closes in on a return to the starting picture with Arteta claiming he could be involved as early as Wednesday, when they take on Inter Milan at the San Siro.

though sustained an injury during the loss at on Saturday with Arteta ruling him out of the game in Italy. The England midfielder now faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday's game at with Arsenal continuing to juggle their resources.

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Arteta said on Odegaard's state of play: "The positive news, Martin it’s great to have him back. He trained with us first time today. He’s a bit earlier than expected. But it’s great to have him here and we will decide if we use him tomorrow."

However he then added: "Declan unfortunately picked an injury against Newcastle. He was able to finish and he wasn’t feeling good the last few days. We’ll have to assess him on Thursday and see if he’s ready for Chelsea."

Norway are keeping tabs on Odegaard's fitness with the international break incoming. Arsenal's game at Chelsea will be their last outing before they break for a fortnight. Norway boss Stale Solbakken hasn't included Odegaard in his squad but is open to calling him up - despite him only just returning.

The Norwegians have Nations League games against Slovenia and Kazakhstan coming up and could welcome back their playmaker despite likely reservations from Arsenal.

He told Norwegian outlet VG: “We follow the situation day by day. As of now, Martin is not 100 percent ready to play, but we are in daily contact with both him and Arsenal. Then a decision will be made on that after the weekend.”

Solbakken, who confessed that Arteta won't have been impressed with Odegaard picking up an injury on international duty, also added: “We are in contact with Arsenal every single day. Both we and Arsenal are interested in him recovering.”

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