The North London giants are sweating over the fitness of their club captain Martin Odegaard who picked up a knock in the 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last Sunday. The former Real Madrid midfielder was unable to complete the full minutes and was substituted in the 73rd minute.
Odegaard is a highly influential player for both his club and country and is expected to represent Norway in the Nations League fixtures against Kazakhstan and Austria during the September break.
The midfielder took a boot to his ankle from Brighton’s Yankuba Mintehhas but reportedly managed to shake off the injury and has traveled with the Norway squad.
Norway coach has raised concerns over Martin Odegaard’s fitness
Martin Odegaard played a role in Norway’s goalless draw with Kazakhstan which will come as a huge relief for both Arsenal and Mikel Arteta. It was earlier reported that the midfielder picked up another knock while training with his fellow countrymen.
‘I don’t think that [the Brighton knock] is what it is,’ Norway manager Solbakken told reporters.
‘I think it’s another bang, I was about to say. I think it is something other than the bang, so to speak.’
The 25-year-old has started all three games in the Premier League and Arsenal would want the Norway national team to treat the midfielder’s fitness with care and caution.
The Gunners will look to return to winnings in the upcoming North London derby but will be without Declan Rice who will serve a one-game suspension. Arsenal fans would hope Odegaard’s injury is not serious and return to action after the international break.
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