Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has reportedly been ruled out of Norway’s upcoming international games due to injury.
This is according to Norwegian outlet TV2, who said the information they had was ‘consistent’ with Nettavisen’s initial report.
The Gunners skipper missed the weekend’s 1-0 loss to Newcastle after failing to be passed fit following a hip injury.
Odegaard was also absent from Arsenal’s midweek Champions League win over Sevilla at the Emirates Stadium.
‘Possibility’ Odegaard could yet feature for Arsenal on Saturday
On Friday, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta kept the door open on the 24-year-old potentially returning against Burnley on Saturday.
“Still racing,” football.london quoted the Arsenal boss as saying. “He’s trying everything that he can. Let’s see. It’s a possibility.”
Odegaard would be a big miss for Arsenal – and for Norway of course – if he remains unavailable.
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The “world-class” midfielder has been central to the Gunners’ success over the past year and began this season well.
However, Odegaard’s form dropped more recently, which was likely a consequence of the knock he has been carrying.
We’ll know for certain at around 2pm on Saturday whether the 24-year-old will feature.
If Odegaard does feature, it’s great news. He’s a fantastic goalscorer as well as a superb playmaker, and he just brings so much to this Arsenal team.
In addition, coming back in against a struggling Burnley side wouldn’t be – on paper at least – the toughest fixture to return in.
But if Odegaard is set to be missing for Norway’s upcoming games, as per the report, it’s concerning, as it suggests he still needs more time to recover.