Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has not been called up to Norway’s squad for the international break, and manager Stale Solbakken has explained why.
The Norwegian hasn’t played for Arsenal in almost a month due to injury, with his return happening against Tottenham, only for him to head back to the sidelines again.
It’s been a frustrating season on the injury front for the midfielder, but his woes are set to come to an end soon.
Odegaard is eyeing a return from injury in the Carabao Cup final; however, even if he were to return, a call-up to the Norway squad for the March fixtures seems unlikely.
How do Arsenal manage the March international break?
Stale Solbakken explains Martin Odegaard’s March international break plans after Norway squad announcement
The international break is never something Mikel Arteta wants to combat, but the one fast approaching is as frustrating as any prior.
With a quadruple to play for, Arsenal players need to return from international duty fit now more than ever, which Norway manager Stale Solbakken is aware of.
Solbakken did not name Odegaard in his squad for the March international break and explained why to the media.
“I haven’t taken Martin out, but if he manages to make it into the Arsenal squad for the League Cup final and trains with the team, we’ll have another conversation about how wise it might be for him to be there,” he said, as transcribed by Radio Haugaland.
Solbakken continued to reveal that, even if the Arsenal captain contacted him to inform him of his fitness, he’d be reluctant to call him up.
“If he calls me and says he’s ready, I’m still not sure I want him with me. It’s better for him to build his body and soul so he doesn’t get a backlash.”
Choose ONE Arsenal player to have full fitness until the end of the season 👀
For Odegaard, Solbakken says there’s some desperation to be involved on the players’ part, even if it’s just in a training capacity.
“He hasn’t been there since last fall, so he’s desperate to be at these training sessions and be ready. But we have to take the long view. It’s the World Cup that counts, not private matches in March.”
Solbakken’s words will be music to Arteta’s ears, as in an ideal world, the Arsenal manager would cancel all of his players’ flights away from London ahead of the run-in.
Above everything, it’s good to learn that there aren’t any worries about the severity of Odegaard’s injury, as the skipper’s return seems imminent.
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