Martin Odegaard injury latest as Arsenal star joins Norway squad after statement
Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard was dealt a new injury blow during his side’s 2-0 defeat of West Ham United last time out
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has confirmed that Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is back in his home country after sustaining an MCL injury last weekend against West Ham. The 26-year-old was forced to pull out of international duty after clashing knees with Hammers forward Crysencio Summerville.
“Martin Odegaard has been withdrawn from the Norway national team for their upcoming matches against Israel and New Zealand after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee during the first half in Saturday’s win over West Ham United,” a statement released on Sunday read.
“Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team at Sobha Realty Training Centre during the international window, with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible.”
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Arsenal have since permitted Odegaard to return to Norway, where he paid a visit to his national team-mates.
Solbakken disclosed that Odegaard had lunch with his Norway colleagues on Thursday and will also be present at their crucial World Cup qualification match against Israel in Oslo on Saturday, reports football.london.
The 57-year-old explained: “He was here and watched a bit, and had a nice lunch with the guys. Martin is a big part of us, he is our captain even though he doesn’t play.
“We would have liked to have him on the field, but he is a good man off it. A nice guy who can talk football, and can talk about everything else. He is a security factor for the group.”
Both Arsenal and Norway are hesitant to set a date for Odegaard’s return, but the fact he was allowed to travel back to Scandinavia is seen as a positive sign by Norwegian sources close to the national team.
When questioned if Odegaard will be in the dressing room before this weekend’s clash with Israel, Solbakken added: “We didn’t agree on that. He’s coming to the game. We haven’t agreed on what he does or doesn’t do, but he’ll definitely come in.”
Erling Haaland is set to don the captain’s armband for Norway in the absence of Martin Odegaard, with Manchester City’s youngster Oscar Bobb likely to be given a starting role.
RB Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa revealed how he met with the Arsenal skipper to Norwegian media outlet Dagbladet, saying: “I met Martin yesterday. It was very nice to talk to him. I wish him a speedy recovery. I hope it goes as well as possible.”
Norway’s history in the World Cup finals is sparse, having only qualified three times, with their most recent appearance dating back to 1998. Their record in the European Championships isn’t much better with just one qualification in 2000.
However, the dynamic duo of Odegaard and Haaland have propelled ‘Landslaget’ to the cusp of making history. After five matches, they’re boasting a flawless record and are currently six points ahead of Italy, who still have a game in hand.
The two teams are set to clash in Milan next month, but Norway are on fire, having netted an impressive 24 goals throughout the qualifying rounds – averaging nearly five per match.
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