Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard has had to withdraw from Norway’s national team squad ahead of the UEFA Nations League games in November as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.
The influential midfielder was sidelined for two months after injuring his ankle while on international duty in September, missing 12 Arsenal matches in the process. Arsenal struggled without their captain, suffering defeats to Bournemouth and Newcastle United without scoring.
Odegaard made a brief appearance in another loss last Wednesday, playing only a few minutes in stoppage time against Inter in the Champions League. He then surprisingly started in Arsenal’s match against Chelsea on Sunday, where he played the full 90 minutes and assisted Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in a 1-1 draw.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken initially called up Odegaard for their Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Kazakhstan. However, Odegaard traveled to Oslo but will not be fit to participate in the upcoming matches.
“After consulting with the national team medical staff, we have unfortunately determined that I am not fit enough to participate in these matches,” Odegaard stated on the Norwegian national team’s official website. “I have been through an extensive training period, and it’s natural not to be at 100% when you haven’t played football in the last nine weeks.
“I need to listen to my body, complete my rehabilitation, and ensure my foot is fully recovered. My intention was always to participate in the national team matches, and if I hadn’t played on Sunday, it would have been impossible to join in anyway.”
Norway currently leads Group B3 in the Nations League as they aim for promotion to League A. “It’s a tough feeling to miss these games,” Odegaard confessed. “I have a great affection for playing for Norway and with this team. However, I have full confidence in the squad and wish them the best of luck – there are still good chances to win the group.”
Manager Solbakken commented, “We were aware that there was a risk of Martin not being ready. He was eager to participate in the matches, but we cannot jeopardize his health. I am certain that the team is prepared to give their all in the upcoming games, and many players will step up in his absence.”
Odegaard is not the only Arsenal player skipping the international break in November. Both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have withdrawn from England’s squad for the Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
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