Arteta explains Odegaard absence and confirms two new injury concerns

Mikel Arteta confirmed Martin Odegaard missed Arsenal's FA Cup win over Wigan after picking up a knock during the Brentford game. Odegaard had come off the bench at Brentford but suffered the injury when the visitors equalised and 'wasn't fit for today'. Arsenal raced into a 4-0 lead in the first half against Wigan, with Noni Madueke, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus scoring, alongside a Jack Hunt own goal, to send the Gunners through to the fifth round.

The manager also revealed two new concerns from the tie: Riccardo Calafiori pulled up in the warm-up and was replaced in the starting XI by Bukayo Saka, and Ben White was forced off late in the game. '[Calafiori] and Ben are the only doubts,' Arteta said. 'We have to wait and see in the next 48 hours how things develop.' Arteta noted Arsenal remain short in midfield with Kai Havertz out with a muscle injury and Mikel Merino recovering from foot surgery, but praised the side's intensity and desire.

arsenal, mikel arteta, martin odegaard, fa cup, wigan, brentford, bukayo saka, ben white, kai havertz, gabriel jesus