Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to have Martin Odegaard return as soon as possible (Image: Getty)
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard may return in time for Norway’s Nations League fixtures next month, according to the country’s manager Stale Solbakken.
The Norwegian skipper, sidelined since early September due to ankle ligament damage, could make his return against Slovenia in Ljubljana on November 12 before they take on Kazakhstan at home three days later.
Norway’s manager Solbakken harbours “justified hope” that Odegaard will be match-fit for the upcoming games.
Odegaard’s absence has been felt at Arsenal. Speaking to Verdens Gang, Solbakken shared optimism about Odegaard’s recovery: “Everything indicates that (Odegaard’s injury) is going according to plan, then it is about the last steps when you are going to train with opponents and at team training.
“It depends on how he responds to it, but we have a justified hope that he is ready. I’ve spoken to him quite regularly.
“Now that it’s starting to progress, it’s easier, but it’s not fun to be injured. At the same time, he has been very little injured, so it is probably a training matter for him.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, prior to the team’s defeat at Bournemouth last Saturday, expressed his wish to see Odegaard back in contention the following week.
Odegaard missed Tuesday’s Champions League triumph over Shakhtar Donetsk, and the Gunners take on title rivals and early Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday at the Emirates.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1966466/Martin-Odegaard-Arsenal-Norway-injury-update