Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is close to a full recovery but is not expected to be fit for Sunday’s Premier League match against Liverpool.
Norway’s national team coach, Stale Solbakken, stated that Odegaard might be ready for the Nations League games next month, with matches against Slovenia on November 12 and Kazakhstan three days later. Solbakken expressed optimism that the Arsenal captain would be able to join the squad.
Odegaard has been out since early September due to ankle ligament damage sustained during Norway’s Nations League victory over Austria. In comments to the Norwegian newspaper *Verdens Gang*, Solbakken noted that Odegaard’s recovery is progressing well, with the focus now on completing final training sessions with teammates.
He added that while Odegaard’s response to training will determine his timeline, he remains hopeful, emphasizing that regular communication with the player has helped ease the process.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had expressed hopes for Martin Odegaard’s return before last Saturday’s match against Bournemouth. However, Odegaard was not included in the squad for Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk, making it unlikely he will play in Sunday’s Premier League match against Liverpool.
Odegaard is recovering well from his ankle ligament injury, but he might not be ready in time for the clash with Liverpool. Norway’s national team coach, Stale Solbakken, believes Odegaard could return for the Nations League matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan in November. Solbakken, who has maintained regular contact with Odegaard, remains optimistic about his recovery and stresses the need for him to participate in full team training as the next step.
Although Arteta initially hoped Odegaard would return this week, his absence from the recent Champions League game suggests his comeback to club action may take longer. Nevertheless, he appears to be on track for a return with the Norwegian national team soon.
