Arsenal face possible Martin Odegaard dilemma as Mikel Arteta reveals international break concern

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal will be relieved to have Martin Odegaard back after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The club captain was hurt during the September international break, returning to North London on crutches after sustaining an ankle injury. 

Mikel Arteta hasn’t been able to call on his prized playmaker since match day three of the campaign, with Arsenal’s form suffering as a result.

After a long wait, fans finally saw Odegaard return to action as the midfielder was introduced late at the San Siro against Inter Milan. 

• READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand says he actually never thought Martin Odegaard would become so ‘important’

Will Martin Odegaard go on international duty?

Suffering the ankle injury on international duty was a blow for Odegaard and Arsenal, who were left without their key player for far too long.

Arteta is not the biggest fan of breaks in domestic play to accommodate international action, with Odegaard’s injury only expanding his hatred.

Fortunately, Odegaard is back and Arsenal can look forward however, there’s some concern that the manager might suffer a fresh spell of anxiety very soon. 

While Norway didn’t name Odegaard in the squad for the November Nations League fixtures, there’s still a possibility that the midfielder could join Stale Solbakken’s side.

When previewing Arsenal’s upcoming clash with Chelsea, Arteta informed the media that there’s a decision to be made on the captain’s involvement on international duty.

“Let’s see how he trains tomorrow. He’s available, he’s fit, if he does play it’s about how he’s feeling after that, and then we’ll make the decision between the three parties.”

Arteta has been in touch with Solbakken regarding Odegaard’s status, with it yet to be known whether the November break will involve any game time for the 25-year-old.

Arsenal won’t rush Odegaard back

For now, all focus will be on the upcoming blockbuster against Chelsea, with a London derby to play out at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

• READ MORE: Mikel Arteta provides Arsenal injury update ahead of Chelsea clash with Declan Rice fitness hint

After returning against Inter, Arteta confirmed that Odegaard is in contention to feature however, it’s unknown whether the Norweigan will start.

“Everybody that is in the squad is going to be fit and available to start the game,” Arteta said.

“Then it will be a decision whether it is too early or the right moment for him to make that step again.”

Arsenal experienced a wake-up call when realising what life is like without Odegaard, emphasising the need to gently reintroduce the captain after his spell on the sidelines.