‘Hope’… Arsenal handed huge Martin Odegaard injury return update before Liverpool as recovery plan explained

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Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard could be set for a huge return from an ankle injury in the weeks ahead.

The playmaker suffered an issue during the September international break, where he was forced off holding his leg.

It was later revealed to be a serious problem for Odegaard, who was set to miss out on months of action and was spotted on crutches and in a protective boot.

Mikel Arteta’s worst fears aligned as the Norway international missed out on key clashes against Tottenham, Manchester City and matches in the Champions League.

There is a growing hope that Odegaard will return for Arsenal soon, with recent suggestions that it will be in the next few weeks, but it will likely see him miss out against Liverpool.

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Stale Solbakken gives update on Martin Odegaard injury

With just a few weeks until the November international break – which will be the final one of the calendar year and the last of the season until March – Norway boss Stale Solbakken has given an update on the condition of Odegaard.

The head coach has suggested that the midfielder may make a return to the national team setup in November, which would make him fit for selection again.

He told VG: “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.”

It spells good news for Arsenal that their captain could be back in action over the next few weeks, but there will be some concerns too.

Many won’t want him involved in any international action too early, given the outcome the last time he joined up with his nation.

There may also be a concern to some that it could be too late in the title challenge if the side does lose to Liverpool in his absence.

That all remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the Gunners are missing their leader on the pitch during these moments.

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The importance of Martin Odegaard to Arsenal

It’s clear that Odegaard has been a huge miss to Arsenal ever since he picked up that ankle injury on international duty.

The playmaker not only has a considerable impact in his attacking abilities, but his work off-the-ball is incredibly important too.

Odegaard usually starts the press for the side, sensing opportunities to trigger those movements that the whole team follows.

Without that presence, it can be tough for others to follow when to make that jump or not, which may be reflected in the increase in goals conceded so far this season – which stands at eight in as many games.

The midfielder will be a huge miss for Arsenal against Liverpool, but having him back in the matches after could kickstart the sort of run that wins Premier League titles.