Arsenal handed latest injury news as key player travels for international clash

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has returned to Norway training, but Stale Solbakken remains uncertain whether the midfielder will be fit to face Wales on Thursday.

Odegaard joined his international teammates at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday after sitting out the previous day’s session because of an ankle problem.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury following a late challenge from Bernardo Silva during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal on Sunday.

His return to the pitch represents another encouraging development for Arsenal, although Solbakken refused to guarantee that his captain would be available against Wales.

“I wish I could say yes, but I can’t,” Solbakken said when asked whether Odegaard would play. “I can’t say no either.

“He will test himself a little today. If he had been unavailable, he obviously wouldn’t have been here.”

Norway travelled to Cardiff with Odegaard on Wednesday, with the midfielder appearing to walk without obvious discomfort when the squad arrived at the stadium.

Defender Kristoffer Ajer also confirmed before training that Odegaard would take part in the session and expressed hope that he would recover sufficiently to feature.

The latest development follows reassuring results from tests carried out earlier this week.

Norway assistant coach Brede Hangeland revealed that team doctor Ola Sand had examined Odegaard’s ankle and found no significant damage, while the player was also experiencing less pain.

Arsenal and Norway have remained in regular communication over his condition, with Solbakken previously explaining that the Gunners receive information about their captain’s workload and recovery.

Odegaard’s fitness has become particularly important for Arsenal during an international break which has already produced other injury concerns.

Kai Havertz returned from Germany duty with a hamstring problem, while Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad for load management.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will therefore hope Norway take no unnecessary risks with Odegaard ahead of the resumption of the Premier League campaign.

The Gunners return to action against Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium on October 10.

Solbakken nevertheless has another major fixture to consider after Wales, with Norway travelling to face Portugal on Sunday in their final match of the international period.

The Norway boss confirmed he has alternative midfield combinations prepared if Odegaard cannot face Wales, having previously adapted his team during periods without the Arsenal captain.

For now, Odegaard’s return to training is positive news, but his availability on Thursday remains dependent on how his ankle responds.

The post Arsenal handed latest injury news as key player travels for international clash first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.