Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is close to returning to action after sustaining an ankle injury.
Mikel Arteta has learned what life is like without Odegaard the hard way, seeing Arsenal’s form dip in the captain’s absence.
The Norweigan was hurt during the September international break, denting Arteta’s best XI as the playmaker nurses an ankle issue.
It’s expected that Odegaard will return to action soon, with concern over whether Stale Solbakken would name the Arsenal star in his Norway squad for the November break.
Martin Odegaard injury update: Midfielder omitted from Norway squad
The international break has become a period feared by Arteta, following Odegaard’s blow and Bukayo Saka’s injury in October.
With the November break in domestic play fast approaching, there were concerns regarding whether Odegaard would receive a call-up from Solbakken.
To Arteta’s delight, it’s been confirmed that the midfielder will not play a part in Norway’s upcoming Nations League fixtures, as their squad for the games was announced.
In a report documenting Solbakken’s selected squad, Norwegian outlet fotball.no shared the following update on the Arsenal captain’s fitness.
“We follow the situation day by day. As of now, Martin is not 100 percent ready to play, but we are in daily contact with both him and Arsenal. Then a decision will be made on that after the weekend, says Solbakken.”
Solbakken’s update provides some optimism that Odegaard is close to being match fit, with all parties in conversation over the playmaker’s status.
Odegaard return will be a boost for Arsenal
It’s been a difficult time for Arsenal without Odegaard, as Arteta was shown just how much creativity his side lacks without the captain.
Odegaard’s absence has been a wake-up call regarding what the current squad is missing in terms of attacking talent, with limited options available for the manager to replace the former Real Madrid starlet.
Learning that the 25-year-old is close to returning and will not be in action during the international break is a huge boost for the Gunners, who will welcome the playmaker back with open arms.
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