Norway head coach Stale Solbakken has revealed that Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has sustained a second injury whilst away with his national team.
The midfielder picked up a knock to his ankle during the 1-1 draw against Brighton last weekend but, asked whether Odegaard is still feeling the effects of the injury, Solkbakken claimed that the player has also picked up another problem:
“I don’t think that’s what it is… I think it’s another bang, I was about to say. I think it is something other than the bang, so to speak.”
Solbakken said that Odegaard is still expected to take part in training ahead of Norway’s game against Kazakhstan on Friday but the playmaker is clearly not 100% fit.
Will Odegaard be available for the North London derby?
Mikel Arteta’s men take on rivals Tottenham in their next fixture on Sunday week but, despite Solkbakken’s comments, there are no concerns about the club captain’s availability for that game as things stand.
Fans will probably want to keep an eye on Odegaard during the international break, though, as it will be hoped that Norway don’t risk his fitness. While Nations League games are competitive fixtures, they are not World Cup or European Championship qualifiers.
There is better news on the injury front for Arsenal
While the update on Odegaard is not what supporters would want to hear, the Gunners have been boosted by the prospect that two other players are nearing a return to first-team action.
Kieran Tierney has not played since suffering a serious hamstring injury whilst playing for Scotland at Euro 2024, but the left-back has been pictured back in individual training this week.
In addition to Tierney, it was reported yesterday that the club are hopeful that Gabriel Jesus will be in contention to face Spurs. The Brazilian has not played since the opening day of the season due to a groin problem.
