Martin Odegaard offers injury update ahead of Liverpool clash | OneFootball

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is 'working hard' to return to full fitness after missing his side's last six Premier League fixtures.

The Norwegian midfielder has not featured for his club since the September international break after sustaining ankle ligament damage whilst on duty with his country. He was ruled out of big games with rivals Tottenham Hotspur and reigning Premier League champions Manchester City and now looks set to miss Arsenal's clash with league leaders Liverpool on Sunday.

It's not all bad news for Arsenal fans though. The skipper's latest update reveals that he is 'close' to making a return to action and could be involved with the squad sooner rather than later.

"I've been out for a few weeks now, and have been working hard to get back as soon as possible," Odegaard admitted via Arsenal's website. "As I said in my notes on Tuesday, I feel like it's close now, but although I haven't been involved in the games lately, I feel I've still been able to use that time pretty well too.

Arsenal have been without their captain since September / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

"To be honest my days haven't been much different to before. I am still at the training ground every day, and they are long days as well. I'm usually pretty tired afterwards because I've been doing a lot of work with the great medical and fitness team we have, and I've spent a lot of time in the gym as well.

"I've wanted to stay involved with what's happening too, so I've been going to the preparation meetings and have been closely involved. But obviously matchdays have been different, there's been less traveling so I've been able to spend more time at home, getting important rest periods, which has been good.

"Hopefully I can come out of this period fresher and stronger and ready for the rest of the season. That's the aim now, look at the positives and use this time in a good way. When I'm back I'm going to be feeling pretty good, I'm sure."

Arsenal are set to host Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday and will hope to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth.