Norway Boss Intends To Call Up Arsenal Captain Martin Odegaard For The Next International Break Despite Injury

Norway national team manager Ståle Solbakken has confirmed his intention to call up Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard for the upcoming international break, despite the midfielder’s lingering injury.

Ødegaard has been sidelined since September after suffering an ankle injury while playing in the Nations League for Norway. His absence has been a significant blow to both Arsenal and Norway, as the playmaker has been a key figure for both teams.

While Ødegaard has reportedly made progress in his recovery, he has yet to return to action for Arsenal and is unlikely to return in time for the all-important Premier League game against Liverpool.

However, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken remains optimistic about his availability for Norway’s upcoming Nations League matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.

“Odegaard’s recovery? Everything indicates that things are going according to plan,” Solbakken told VG.

“It’s about the last steps when you have to train with opponents and in team training. It depends on how he responds to that, but we have a legitimate hope that he is ready.”

Norway boss Ståle Solbakken says Norway are planning to call up Martin Ødegaard in the next international break. 🇳🇴🫣 pic.twitter.com/7YQBxmkRGq

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Norway currently sits atop Group B3 in the Nations League, level on points with Slovenia and Austria. A strong finish to the group stage will increase their hopes of securing promotion to League A.

Ødegaard’s potential return would undoubtedly be a boost for Norway’s chances, but Mikel Arteta must feel aggrieved if he is called up, especially after losing Bukayo Saka to injury during England’s last international break.