Martin Odegaard Bares Soul on Derby Heartbreak as Bayern Munich Come Calling

The Arsenal captain eyes a massive Champions League return tonight as he opens up on his recent injury frustrations.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is on the verge of a significant comeback as the Gunners prepare to host Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in a high-stakes Champions League clash tonight.

The Norwegian playmaker has successfully navigated a crucial training session at London Colney, signaling his readiness to rejoin the squad after a prolonged absence that has kept him out since October.

The influential midfielder recently shared his tangible disappointment regarding his inability to prove his fitness in time for Arsenal's emphatic 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham. 

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However, the 26-year-old is now back in the fold at London Colney and his  potential return comes as a much-needed boost for the Gunners ahead of a gruelling festive period, with the medical staff having taken a cautious approach following the MCL damage he suffered during a 2-0 Premier League win over West Ham in early October.

Writing in his programme notes ahead of the European clash, Odegaard opened up about the rehabilitation process and his emotions watching his teammates secure bragging rights last weekend.

"Personally, I was so disappointed not to be involved in the squad for the North London Derby.

"I had been working really hard all week to be ready for it, but unfortunately, I wasn’t quite ready by Sunday. I’m getting close now and games like that just make me even more determined to come back. I thought we were brilliant."

Despite his status as captain, Odegaard acknowledges the challenge of walking straight back into the starting XI. 

The competition for places has heated up significantly, particularly with Eberechi Eze currently in the form of his life following a stunning hat-trick against Spurs.

Competition and Camaraderie

Rather than feeling threatened by the competition, the skipper was full of praise for his teammate's heroics.

"What a day for Ebs! That performance was just incredible, three brilliant finishes for the goals and it’s a game he will never forget," he said.

It has been a stop-start campaign for the Norway international, who has endured a difficult run of luck regarding fitness.

Before the current knee issue, he injured his shoulder against Leeds and Nottingham Forest earlier in the season. Consequently, he has only featured once in the Champions League and made just six Premier League appearances this term.

Squad Fitness Update

Looking at the wider squad, Arsenal do not have any fresh injury worries ahead of the meeting with Bayern, however. 

Gabriel is expected to have his latest scan on a thigh injury today, while wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke are pushing to start against the German giants.

Conversely, there was no sign of striker Viktor Gyokeres during Tuesday's training session. 

The Swede remains absent with a muscular issue and has not been available since being substituted at half-time during the 2-0 win over Burnley on November 1, in which he scored the opener.

The games are coming thick and fast now for Arsenal and they will also have one eye on Sunday's crunch trip to Chelsea in the Premier League. 

The Blues can go within three points of the Gunners with victory after they thumped Barcelona 3-0 on Tuesday night.