The Injury Concerns of Martin Odegaard: A Hopeful Turn for Arsenal
Norway manager Stale Solbakken has revealed that Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is making steady progress in his recovery from ankle ligament damage, with a possible return to action by the November international break.
Odegaard has been sidelined since September, and his absence has been keenly felt by the Gunners, who have struggled to find a creative spark in his absence. Despite winning six of their last nine games, Arsenal have lacked the attacking flair and creativity that the Norwegian international brings to the table.
Fears of a setback earlier this month were dispelled when Mikel Arteta suggested that Odegaard was closing in on a return to fitness, and now Solbakken’s statements suggest that the 24-year-old is on track to be fit and ready to return to action soon.
The news is a significant boost for Arsenal, who have a packed schedule ahead of them, including a Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk and a showdown against Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. While it’s unlikely that Odegaard will feature in the Champions League quarter-final, his return to fitness could come just in time for the clash with the Reds.
Odegaard has been a key player for Arsenal this season, and his absence has been keenly felt. His creative spark and passing ability have been missed, and his return to the team could be the boost they need to push on and challenge for the Premier League title.
However, it remains to be seen when Odegaard will be available again for selection. He was omitted from the squad for the Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk, and with Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori also out injured, Arteta faces a significant task in keeping his players fit and firing. The injury to William Saliba and the potential absence of Jurrien Timber due to their respective injuries will further complicate things for the Arsenal manager.
Nonetheless, the news that Odegaard is making progress is a welcome development for Arsenal fans, who will be eagerly awaiting his return to the pitch. With the squad facing a grueling fixture list, Odegaard’s return could be just what the doctor ordered to get the team back on track and make a push for the top of the Premier League table.
