Norway manager Stale Solbakken has confirmed that Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is on course to return to fitness next month.

Asked whether the 25-year-old would be available for the last two Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Kazakhstan, Solbakken replied:

“Everything indicates that things are going according to plan. So 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 [for the next round of internationals].”

Some reports had suggested that Odegaard had suffered a setback in his recovery from the ankle injury he sustained whilst playing for Norway back in September.

However, a November return was always likely. The question remains whether he will be available before the international break.

When will Odegaard return to action?

The Norwegian international has already been ruled out for the Liverpool match this weekend but the Gunners also have 5 more matches prior to the next batch of internationals.

Mikel Arteta’s side take on Preston North End (in the Carabao Cup), Newcastle, Inter Milan (in the Champions League) and Chelsea. If Odegaard is still not able to make his comeback by then, the Nottingham Forest match on November 23rd following Norway’s games is another potential return date.

Arsenal have 5 other injuries

Bukayo Saka has missed the last two fixtures due to a hamstring issue but he is said to be winning his fitness battle ahead of the Liverpool clash on Sunday.

Riccardo Calafiori has a knee problem and the extent of the injury is yet to be determined. Jurrien Timber (muscular) remains out while Takehiro Tomiyasu has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.

Kieran Tierney is still on the treatment table after tearing his hamstring whilst playing for Scotland at Euro 2024 back in June.

Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here