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Mikel Arteta expressed serious concern about Martin Ødegaard's knock to the knee after the Norwegian was forced off in a two-nil win which maintained their challenge on Liverpool of the English top flight.

Double Injury Concern for The Gunners

Ødegaard left the Emirates with a brace on the injured knee after a collision involving an opponent in the first period.

The England midfielder was likewise substituted in the second half due to a back problem, raising questions over his fitness for upcoming internationals.

"He had a collision directly on the knee, and straight away he was uncomfortable," Arteta stated. "I've spoken with him, he's not positive regarding it, he's got a brace on. We'll have to wait and see of the medical examination."

Worrying Pattern for Skipper

The fitness of Ødegaard – who became the inaugural player in Premier League history to be substituted in three successive matches before half-time – is generating significant anxiety for Arteta.

"He's been unavailable from the beginning of the season for one reason or the other, shoulder problems previously and then this latest knock," he added. "He's our captain, he's a footballer who provides a completely different dimension, particularly in attacking."

Declan Rice Also Forced Off

Regarding Rice, Arteta commented: "He's not all right since he requested to be substituted, which is unfortunate. He had pain in his back and he could not carry on, which is something quite rare for Declan, so we need to evaluate him and see how he is."

Bukayo Saka on Squad Progress

The winger, who scored a penalty in his 200th Premier League appearance, highlighted the team's resolve to correct previous losses at the Emirates against the Hammers.

"It demonstrated the progress we've achieved," Saka said. "We wanted to put that right in this match. We know our ability we have in attack and we know if we keep a shutout it is more than likely emerge victorious the game."

West Ham's New Situation

The new West Ham manager, overseeing his second match since replacing Graham Potter, confronts a difficult job as the team remaining in the relegation zone.

"The past week has been full of fresh tests, novel situations, a lot of changes," he admitted. "In my view the pause for internationals will prove extremely beneficial in terms of calming the mind and concentration, but all the aspects of our play we have to address."