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Mikel Arteta will sleep like a baby tonight knowing that his captain will be safe and sound at London Colney during the international break.
While Martin Odegaard was eventually called up to Stale Solbakken's Norway squad for their crucial upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures, the player has opted against starring for his country this month having just returned from an ankle injury.
Odegaard spent almost two months on the sidelines as the result of an ankle ligament injury sustained during Norway's 2-1 victory over Austria in September. Solbakken didn't initially include his skipper in the squad for their games against Slovenia and Kazakhstan over the next week, but Odegaard's return from injury against Inter last Wednesday and subsequent performance at Stamford Bridge meant Arsenal couldn't stand in the Norway manager's way.
With Odegaard being such a crucial figure in the national team set-up, Solbakken would've obviously wanted him available as they aim to advance up to League A in the Nations League.
Martin Odegaard explains decision to stay at Arsenal during November break
Odegaard missed 12 games for club and country as a result of his ankle issue, and the Gunners doubtlessly suffered in his absence. His impact upon his return to the starting XI was immediate on Sunday as he teed up Gabriel Martinelli's opener with a deft pass in behind, but Arsenal missed him for a myriad of reasons excluding his creative nous.
He's a key leader in this Arsenal team and the tone-setter when they don't have possession. Arteta will be thrilled that his captain won't be risking his ankle over the coming break, and Odegaard has explained why he opted against representing his country this month.
Martin Odegaard will return to London to rehabilitate his injured ankle. Norway have concluded that he "needs time to become match-ready again and deal with the strain."
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) November 12, 2024
"I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape," Odegaard said.
“After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately come to the conclusion that the situation is not good enough to play these games,” Odegaard said (via The Athletic).
“I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practiced football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100 per cent yet. I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape," he added.
Norway's team doctor, Ola Sand, interestingly noted that Odegaard wouldn't be "ready" for Norway's upcoming games, perhaps hinting that the 25-year-old is not fully fit. Sand also said Odegaard wouldn't be "continuing his rehabilitation" back in London, which suggests he might have come work to do to be available for Arsenal's next Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on 23 November.
Still, Arsenal would much rather have their captain where they can see him as another Odegaard absence would surely prove fatal for the club's 2024/25 season. The Gunners have a crucial run upcoming after the break, and they need their star creator relentlessly available.