Norway manager reveals what Martin Odegaard has said about his injury ahead of Liverpool clash

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Martin Odegaard has been in touch with Stale Solbakken after being named in Norway’s squad for the upcoming international break.

Odegaard was injured during Arsenal’s 5-0 thrashing of Leeds United, a blow to his shoulder that forced him to withdraw in the first half of the contest. 

Fortunately, Arsenal coped well without their captain, but there is now the question of whether the midfielder will be fit for the matchday three blockbuster at Anfield. 

Though it’s understood that Odegaard’s injury is not severe, there’s no guarantee that the 26-year-old will be ready in time to face Liverpool. 

• READ MORE: ‘Unbelievable’ Arsenal player now set to miss Liverpool clash with an injury, surgery may be needed

What Martin Odegaard has said about his injury

Despite his injury, Norway have called Odegaard up for international duty ahead of their meetings with Finland and Moldova.

Arsenal know that Saka will be absent for around a month with a hamstring injury, but for Odegaard, the time frame of recovery is still unclear. 

That being said, the Arsenal captain has been in touch with his national team manager, as Norwegian outlet Dagbladet relayed. 

Speaking to the media, Stale Solbakken revealed the details of the conversations he’s had with Odegaard since his call-up.

“I don’t know,” Solbakken said when asked about the chances of Odegaard playing on international duty.

“I don’t have any more details to give you. I actually know just as much as you do. I’ve spoken to Martin, and of course, he has hope too. But it’s an injury that hurts a lot right now.”

A reporter then asked Solbakken if he knew whether Odegaard could play against Liverpool on Sunday. 

“We haven’t talked about that,” he assured.

“We’ve just talked about the situation after the game. He was in pain. He’s in Arsenal’s hands, and they have a game on Sunday. We can’t do anything from here. I’m not going to… Ola Sand is the one who has that contact.” 

Norway’s manager was eager to steer questions in the direction of the national team’s doctor, Ola Sand, who will assess Odegaard in due course.

Mikel Arteta has options if Odegaard isn’t fit

Odegaard wasn’t pictured in the latest drop of Arsenal’s training pictures, with five days to go until the clash at Anfield.

The attacking midfielder left the Emirates in a sling after the game against Leeds, following on from being unable to continue due to feeling great discomfort in his shoulder. 

While Arteta will want his best available squad for the trip to Anfield, the Arsenal manager has options. 

The arrival of Eberechi Eze has come just in time, with the attacking midfielder there to be unleashed for his debut.

Behind Eze in the pecking order is Ethan Nwaneri and, in drastic circumstances, 15-year-old Max Dowman.

Arsenal’s squad depth has improved at a crucial time, with Odegaard and Saka in a race to return as soon as possible.