Why Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino are not playing for Arsenal against Wolves

Sidelined: Arsenal are without midfielders Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino at Wolves (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Martin Odegaard misses out for Arsenal against Wolves due to illness, while Mikel Merino is also absent with a knock.

The second-place Gunners face a must-win game in the Premier League title race at Molineux on Saturday afternoon without their influential captain, who is joined on the sidelines by his midfield colleague.

Ahead of the game against Wolves, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told broadcasters: “Martin was ill this morning and we had to send him back – he was nowhere near fit to play.

“Mikel as well, because he got a knock and couldn’t make it yesterday for training.”

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