Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta revealed on Friday that he had “expected” Odegaard to still be wearing the boot, but said he was already out of it - suggesting his skipper was ahead of schedule. Now Odegaard has provided a fresh recovery update of his own.

Martin Odegaard has hinted he is ahead of schedule and is making rapid progress in his attempts to recover from an ankle injury he suffered playing for Norway last month. The Arsenal captain has missed his side’s last six games in all competitions and will again be absent for Saturday’s game against struggling Southampton.

The Gunners boss has given the latest on the fitness of his captain ahead of their Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium on Saturday