Why Martin Odegaard is absent vs Chelsea tonight

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February 3, 2026 20:16 GMT (UK), by Sri Aswin

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has not made the matchday squad for the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea tonight.

The Norwegian was a second-half substitute against Leeds United in the Premier League. He provided an assist in a lively performance.

However, he has been left out of the squad to face the Blues. The 27-year-old was not spotted in training and does not make the team as well.

BBC Sport claim that Odegaard is nursing a minor muscle injury and the Gunners have chosen to leave him out of the squad as a precaution.

In Odegaard’s absence, Eberechi Eze has got the nod in the number 10 role against the Blues. Kai Havertz starts on the bench for the Gunners.

Havertz has started the last two matches in the position, but the German has been given a breather, having just returned from a knee injury.

Arteta has gone with a strong starting XI. He has named an unchanged backline from the victory over Leeds on the road last weekend.