Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s captain, confirmed that it was his decision to sit out Norway’s international fixtures this week.
Despite being available for Norway’s Nations League games, Odegaard chose to continue his rehabilitation at Arsenal and expects to be fit for the club’s upcoming Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
Odegaard made his return from an ankle injury as a late substitute in Arsenal’s recent Champions League loss to Inter Milan.
The midfielder had been sidelined for two months following an injury sustained on international duty in September.
He then started in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea, assisting Gabriel Martinelli’s opening goal and unexpectedly playing the entire match.
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Reflecting on his recovery, Odegaard acknowledged the challenge of returning from a lengthy absence.
“I got through the match at the weekend, but it was a rather abrupt transition from the last nine weeks.”
“In this process, you don’t go from being injured to fully fit overnight.”
Initially, Odegaard was left out of Norway’s squad for the Nations League games against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.
However, after playing against Chelsea, he traveled to Oslo to join his national teammates. Soon after, the decision was made for him to return to London, prioritizing his recovery with Arsenal’s medical team.
“You tend to have a reaction, and then it’s about how you respond,” Odegaard told Norway’s TV2.
“Together with the NFF’s medical team, we assessed the situation and agreed it’s better for me to go back and make a full recovery.
This decision is based on what my body needs, not on any external influence.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised Odegaard’s immediate impact in the Chelsea game, calling it “unbelievable.”
His return is crucial as the Gunners, currently trailing Liverpool by nine points, look to mount a comeback in the Premier League.
When asked about his fitness for the Nottingham Forest game, Odegaard replied,
“Of course I hope so. I’m going back now for further follow-up, and we’ll assess again next week.”
As Arsenal aim to close the gap in the title race, Odegaard’s return is timely, offering much-needed creativity in midfield.
