Arsenal boost as Norway make Martin Odegaard decision after ‘complicated’ injury

Norway have confirmed that Martin Odegaard will return to Arsenal during the international break to continue rehabilitation on his ankle injury.

Odegaard injured his ankle ligaments during the September international break and returned from an eight-week absence as a late substitute in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter in the Champions League last Wednesday.

The 25-year-old was able to complete a full 90 minutes in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday and was called up to Norway’s national side for their upcoming Nations League games against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.

However, Norway’s national team doctor, Ola Sand, has announced that Odegaard will now return to London after initial tests on his ankle.

‘This has been a complicated ankle injury,’ said Sand.

‘With very few training sessions with the team in the last nine weeks, it is natural that the body is not one hundred percent at this stage.

‘After thorough investigations and conversations, we have agreed that Martin will not be ready to play for the matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.

‘In consultation with him, we have agreed that it is better for him to return home to London to continue his rehabilitation there.’

Norway head coach, Stale Solbakken, revealed that Odegaard was keen to feature for the national side, despite only returning from injury last week.

‘We knew that there was a risk that Martin would not be ready,’ said Solbakken.

‘He has had a strong desire to take part in the matches, but we cannot risk his health.

‘So I am sure that the boys are ready to give their all in the games that await us and that many will step up in his absence.’

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