Martin Odegaard is struggling with being sidelined by injury, says Norway international manager Stale Solbakken.
Several Arsenal first-team players will not report to duty during the March international break, with three withdrawing due to injury following the Carabao Cup final.
William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Leandro Trossard have withdrawn, joining Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard on the sidelines.
While some omissions are a boost for Mikel Arteta, who will be firmly focused on the return of domestic action, it’s understood that Odegaard is at his wits’ end with being unavailable for selection.
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Norway manager Stale Solbakken shares Martin Odegaard injury update
The Arsenal captain’s frustration is understandable, as Odegaard has played 13 minutes over the past month.
Various injuries have kept the 27-year-old away from the action, and it’s fair to say it’s really getting to him.
Speaking to Dagbladet ahead of the March international break kick-off, Norway manager Stale Solbakken revealed that Odegaard is ‘grumpy’.
“He is very frustrated and grumpy. He hasn’t been in since we beat Moldova 11-1. It’s his last international match. He wasn’t on the field against Israel, Estonia or Italy. It’s clear that it hurts.”
It’s tough to hear Solbakken speak about Odegaard’s struggles at present, but the Norway boss did share some encouraging news, too.
“Now it’s three weeks until Arsenal play again. Or two and a half weeks. I think it could be a goal for Martin to be in a squad then. It’s within reach.”
Solbakken thinks a return to action against Southampton could be a goal for Odegaard, which will be music to Arteta’s ears, given the Gunners’ current creative issues.
Norway have no plans for Odegaard in March
As Norway have already qualified for the World Cup, their matches in March are only friendlies, facing the Netherlands and Switzerland.
Choose ONE Arsenal player to have full fitness until the end of the season 👀
Odegaard won’t be missing anything of a competitive nature, and for that reason, Solbakken isn’t insistent on his captain heading to the training camp.
“There is no reason for him to leave now. He needs to train. If he wants to take a day off to come here, he is welcome to do so, but it is not something that has been planned,” he explained.
Of course, Odegaard would prefer to be playing during the international break, but instead, he’ll be back at Colney preparing himself for a crucial period to come for Arsenal.
Getting back on the pitch is the skipper’s one priority, and finally, it looks as though he’ll be available for selection very soon.
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