Report: What Arsenal have planned for Martin Odegaard after Stale Solbakken hinted he could play for Norway next month

Arsenal are currently in a bit of a tricky situation in terms of personnel, with numerous key players on the sidelines.

One of the biggest absences for the Gunners has been Martin Odegaard, who suffered an ankle injury while on Norway duty just over a month ago.

The Arsenal captain has been out with ligament damage, but is edging ever closer to a return to action.

Indeed, Norway manager Stale Solbakken recently hinted that Odegaard could be in contention for their Nations League games in November.

He told Norwegian outlet Verdens Gang: “Everything indicates that things are going according to plan.

“So it’s about the last steps when you have to train with opponents and in team training. It depends on how he responds to that, but we have a legitimate hope that he is ready.”

Now, GiveMeSport have provided an update with regards to Odegaard’s expected return to action and also what Arsenal have in store for him.

Arsenal want Martin Odegaard to miss Norway games in November

According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal have no intention of rushing their captain back, despite Solbakken’s comments.

The report cites sources claiming Odegaard will be fit before mid-November, but the Gunners’ preference is for him to miss the Slovenia and Kazakhstan games.

This is so Arsenal can manage his workload and protect him ahead of the busy festive period.

READ MORE: Arsenal handed key injury boost that has been met with relief all round

Martin Odegaard needs to stay put at Arsenal in November

Arsenal have already been without Odegaard for a while now, due to the injury he picked up on Norway duty.

He cannot go out again on international duty just as he returns from injury, risking another setback which will cost the Gunners dear.

That said, it remains to be seen whether Odegaard will even be fit enough by that stage, and if that’s the case, the matter would be settled pretty quickly.

Whatever happens, Odegaard is better off staying put at Arsenal, with the coaches and medical staff ensuring he can get back to his best.