Norway manager Stale Solbakken has claimed that Martin Odegaard is getting better and better and is hoping to return from his injury next week.
The Gunners captain has missed three of Arsenal‘s last four games due to injury. He wasn’t called up to the Norway national team either as a result, but his country’s boss has confirmed now that Odegaard is getting better.
Arsenal star Martin Odegaard hoping to return from injury vs Brentford
Martin Odegaard is one of Arsenal’s best players, and they have missed him.
Yes, the Gunners haven’t suffered too much with respect to results, but the fluidity in their attack drops down considerably when their £30 million (Sky Sports) skipper doesn’t start.
The real reason behind Odegaard’s absence in Arsenal’s last two games is a concussion he suffered after he was hit in the face by a ball in training.
There hasn’t been any news on Odegaard’s health since, but his national team boss has now revealed that he’s getting better, and both he and Arsenal are hoping he will be back for the game against Brentford next weekend.
Solbakken told Eurosport Norway, as translated by Sportwitness: “Now I’m coming from a three-quarter hour talk with Martin. He is getting better and better, and then he gradually steps up.
“It has been more or less three weeks without any special training, so it is important to take it step by step. So both he and Arsenal probably hope that he is available for the Brentford match.”
Arsenal need Odegaard back
Arsenal are just a point off the top of the Premier League table, but it has to be said that they haven’t been great in attack.
The fluid movement they showed last season was a joy to watch, and Odegaard was involved in almost all the good things Arsenal did.
This season, things have been very different, and Odegaard’s absence due to injury in recent games made it a whole lot worse for Mikel Arteta‘s side in the final third.
Up next for Arsenal is a tricky game against Brentford. If Odegaard is fit and available, they will find it much easier to break down Thomas Frank’s side.