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Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter believes Arsenal have struggled over the last two months to fill the void left by their injured captain Martin Odegaard, telling the Planet Premier League podcast that “it’s impossible to have two Martin Odegaards to have”.

The 25-year-old Norwegian midfielder has been out since September and has missed 12 games after suffering ankle ligament damage during an international match.

In his absence, the Gunners have picked up just one point from a possible nine in their last three Premier League games, following defeats to Newcastle and Bournemouth and a draw with Liverpool.

Potter told the podcast that he felt losing “such an influential player” would “always be a problem” and that fellow Arsenal midfielders Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino do not bring “the same creativity”. would.

The 49-year-old said he believes Arsenal are hoping the relationship between Partey, Rice and Merino develops over time, meaning “the decision-making becomes quicker and they can make incisive passes or assists.”

Odegaard has returned to full training ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League game at Inter Milan.