The Norway international has not played a competitive game since picking up an ankle injury on international duty in early September.

He has been making steady progress in his recovery and Arteta has today confirmed that he has been training on the grass for a while.

The Spanish tactician added that Odegaard could be in line to return to action before the next international break in mid-November.

The news is a huge boost for the Gunners. Arteta is unlikely to risk Odegaard and he could be handed minor cameo roles initially.

Odegaard is also unlikely to be called up for international duty.

The international break could offer the Gunners captain with adequate time to build his fitness ahead of the hectic festive schedule of games.

Arsenal face Preston on the road tomorrow in the Carabao Cup fourth round. They will then visit Newcastle , Chelsea and Inter.

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