Arsenal get fresh injury update as key midfielder makes matchday squad
Arsenal have received another positive update on Martin Odegaard after the midfielder was named in Norway’s matchday squad to face Wales on Thursday night.
Odegaard had been a doubt for the Nations League encounter in Cardiff after suffering an ankle problem during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal.
The Arsenal captain was caught by a late challenge from former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva and was subsequently seen limping after the match.
Odegaard missed Norway training on Tuesday as medical staff continued to assess the problem, prompting concerns over whether he would remain with the national team.
However, scans subsequently revealed no significant damage and the 27-year-old returned to the training pitch in Cardiff on Wednesday.
The latest indication of his progress arrived on Thursday morning, when UEFA’s squad list confirmed Odegaard among the 23 Norway players available to face Wales.
Kristian Thorstvedt and Sondre Langås were instead omitted from Stale Solbakken’s matchday selection after Norway travelled with 25 players.
Odegaard’s inclusion does not necessarily mean he will start, with Solbakken having remained cautious when discussing his captain’s condition on Wednesday.
Solbakken explained that Odegaard needed to determine whether his ankle allowed him to perform effectively before a final decision was made.
The fact he has now made the squad represents a significant improvement from Tuesday, when he was unable to participate in training.
Arsenal have also remained in regular contact with Norway’s medical staff throughout the week as they monitor the midfielder’s recovery.
Odegaard has been an important figure for Arsenal during their strong start to the season, making another injury particularly unwelcome for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have already seen Kai Havertz return early from Germany duty with a muscle problem, while Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad for load management.
Arsenal do at least have additional recovery time before returning to Premier League action against Leeds United on October 10.
Norway face Portugal again on Sunday after their trip to Cardiff, meaning Odegaard could still accumulate significant minutes before returning to north London.
His inclusion against Wales nevertheless provides Arsenal with the clearest indication yet that the ankle problem is not expected to result in a prolonged absence.
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