Martin Odegaard has encountered a minor hitch in his effort to return fully fit ahead of Arsenal’s push for the Premier League title.

The Gunners captain has endured a frustrating spell with injuries this season, sitting out 11 matches since the start of the year due to recurring muscle and knee issues.

During the international break, it seemed he had turned a corner, featuring in the FA Cup loss to Southampton and starting again in the Champions League clash away to Sporting CP.

However, there were signs of discomfort during the match in Portugal, as the Norwegian playmaker was taken off with about 20 minutes left, making way for Kai Havertz. Concerns grew further when he was absent from first-team training on Thursday ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming league fixture against Bournemouth.

He wasn’t the only notable absentee, as Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber, Piero Hincapie, and Riccardo Calafiori were all missing as well, having sat out recent matches.

Reports from Norway suggest the issue may once again be related to Odegaard’s knee, but national team manager Stale Solbakken has played down any serious concerns. He indicated that Odegaard picked up a knock in an awkward area but doesn’t expect it to keep him out for long, describing it as a minor issue that shouldn’t have significant consequences.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is set to address the media on Friday, where he’s likely to give a clearer update on Odegaard’s condition and the status of the other injured players.

Before the break, Arsenal’s hopes of a historic quadruple took a hit after losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City and crashing out of the FA Cup against Southampton. Despite those setbacks, they remain in a strong position in the league, holding a nine-point lead at the top as the season resumes this weekend.

Luis Enrique admitted he was caught off guard by Arne Slot’s tactical approach during Liverpool FC’s 2-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

PSG delivered a commanding performance in Paris, with Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia finding the net in each half to secure the win.

Slot opted for a significant tactical shift, deploying a back three of Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez operating as wing-backs. Despite the defensive setup, Liverpool struggled badly, failing to register a single shot on target and seeing very little of the ball.

Reflecting on the match, Enrique noted that it was the first time this season Slot had used a back three, suggesting the decision showed Liverpool were experimenting in response to PSG’s strengths. He added that such tactical adjustments are expected, as many teams try to adapt their shape when facing his side.

In a separate interview, the PSG boss praised Slot as a high-level coach but reiterated his surprise at the system change, while also acknowledging Liverpool’s physicality and individual quality. He described the contest as an enjoyable tactical battle despite the one-sided outcome.

Slot later explained that his decision was driven by the need to deal with PSG’s explosive pace, particularly from Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes on the flanks. By using Frimpong and Kerkez in deeper roles, he aimed to apply aggressive pressure while still having defensive cover.

However, the plan backfired at key moments. Slot admitted that whenever Liverpool tried to press high, they were repeatedly exposed by PSG’s speed and movement, leading to several dangerous chances.

He also pushed back against the focus on formations, arguing that the system can be interpreted differently depending on perspective. In his view, the setup could just as easily be seen as a variation of a 4-3-3, rather than a strictly defensive five-at-the-back approach.

Ultimately, Slot pointed to the fine margins at this level, suggesting that any alternative approach — particularly one with more attacking wingers — could have left his side even more vulnerable against PSG’s relentless pace.

Tottenham Hotspur have been hit with another major setback after Mohammed Kudus emerged as a doubt for the remainder of the season due to injury.

The 25-year-old winger has been out of action since early January, when he picked up a thigh problem during a 1-1 draw with Sunderland AFC. Initial assessments from former manager Thomas Frank suggested a serious issue involving both the tendon and quadriceps, ruling him out for several months.

There had been optimism within the club that Kudus could return following the recent international break, but fresh concerns have now emerged. Reports indicate that surgery may be required, raising fears that his season could already be over.

There is also growing uncertainty over his availability for the Ghana national football team ahead of the upcoming World Cup, where they are scheduled to face Panama, England and Croatia in the group stage.

Kudus, who arrived from West Ham United in a £55 million move last summer, has contributed three goals and five assists in a campaign disrupted by fitness issues.

The timing is particularly difficult for new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, who is preparing to take charge of his first match this weekend. Spurs travel to Sunderland in a crucial fixture as they battle to avoid relegation, currently sitting just above the drop zone.