Arsenal face main Martin Odegaard harm choice earlier than Tottenham conflict
Martin Odegaard has been out of action for Arsenal for the last seven games with a knee injury but the Gunners captain is closing in on his return
Arsenal are poised to make a significant decision regarding Martin Odegaard’s injury during the November international break as he approaches the final stages of his recovery.
The Gunners’ skipper has been sidelined for the past seven matches due to a knee injury and could return for the North London Derby against Tottenham. Odegaard has also missed additional game time due to two separate shoulder issues, making the summer acquisition of Eberechi Eze seem particularly astute.
However, the 26-year-old is aiming for an imminent comeback and could play a crucial role in one game this week. Mikel Arteta’s ideal scenario would see Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres all make progress during the two-week domestic break and be fit to face Spurs, with Kai Havertz set to make his much-anticipated return shortly thereafter.
With all this in mind, Daily Star Sport has compiled the latest updates on Odegaard and the statements made about his knee injury.
Major Norway decision
Norway are keen to have Odegaard in Italy to back his national teammates as they aim to secure top spot in Group I and clinch World Cup qualification.
The Norway captain has previously supported his country when unfit to play, but Arsenal will need to grant permission for him to travel considering how crucial the next 10 days could be for his rehabilitation.
Norway face Estonia on Thursday before heading to Udine on Sunday.
Arteta update
The latest update from Arteta on the four players nearing returns, including Odegaard, was certainly encouraging, suggesting that one could have even been included in the matchday squad that played out a controversial 2-2 draw with Sunderland on Saturday evening
“I cannot confirm all of [them are out this weekend], but you are not far off. Some of them, all of them, [could be available after the break], I don’t know,” he said. “There are a lot of things that have to happen in the next two weeks, and everything has to be perfect, but I think we’ll be very close.”
Although no players returned for the match at the Stadium of Light, it was anticipated that Arteta was referring to either Odegaard or Martinelli. Madueke was the player closest to making a return before the break and he could feature for Arsenal under-21s against Cardiff in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday evening.
Odegaard on what he has been doing while injured
Arsenal fans have heard from Odegaard while he’s been sidelined, with the former Real Madrid player revealing what he’s been doing in his programme notes ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid.
“I had to watch the game from home as I’m recovering from my knee injury of course, but the rehab is going well,” he was quoted as saying.
“I had a few days off after the West Ham game, because I couldn’t do much work and had to rest my knee anyway, so I went to Norway.
“But I’ve been back for a week now and working every day to keep my fitness up as well as trying to heal the injury, so it’s busy days at the moment.
“I’ve had some experiences now not being available, last year with my ankle injury and this year with the shoulder as well.
“I’m there at Sobha every day around the team. I’m in the meetings, I’m at the games so I’m definitely around and helping in a different way.”
