Odegaard ready to enjoy challenges as Arsenal try to win

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Martin Odegaard has said that he and the rest of the Arsenal players are trying to embrace the challenge of winning the Champions League for the first time in the Gunners history.

The Arsenal captain has had a broken season because of injuries but has spoken about how he and his team-mates can use that pressure for good.

Odegaard was in a good mood in his news conference on Tuesday and set a positive tone when speaking to the media before Arsenal's Champions League semi-final first leg with Atletico Madrid.

"How can you not enjoy it?" Odegaard said. "We are playing in probably the toughest and most competitive league in the world and at the top fighting for the title and in the semi of the Champions League.

"For me, it's hard for me to understand how you can not enjoy that. That's what we have been dreaming about our whole life, me since I was a kid.

"The energy in the group is amazing."

Odegaard also spoke about how the noise the of Arsenal not lifting silverware is "always going to be there until we win it and that is something you have to live with" which matched his positive outlook at the news conference.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also looked to highlight the club's achievement in reaching back-to-back Champions League semi-finals.

However, there was a strange moment from the Gunners boss as he seemed to confirm that Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber was back in the squad after injury before clarifying that he was not available.

Arteta is known for trying to make the most of marginal gains and this seemed to be his latest way of putting some doubt on to his team selection.