Martin Ødegaard’s Return Delayed, Norway Manager Warns

OSLO, Norway — Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard is still recovering from a knee injury, according to Norway national team manager Ståle Solbakken. Ødegaard, who has struggled with injuries this season, is reportedly ‘some distance away’ from a return to action.

Ødegaard, 26, has been sidelined since injuring his left knee during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over West Ham on October 4. Initial assessments indicated he would be out for at least six weeks, which many hoped would allow him to return just after the international break.

Solbakken provided an update at the start of the November international window. ‘Ødegaard’s recovery is steady,’ he said. ‘It is going in a steady direction but he is some distance away.’ This statement raises concerns about whether the midfielder will be available for Arsenal’s matches in the coming weeks.

Despite his injury, Ødegaard will join the Norwegian national team in a non-playing role as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Italy. ‘He will fly in [to Oslo] after his rehab on Thursday,’ Solbakken confirmed. ‘Then he will continue his rehab with us and will be with us from Thursday afternoon.’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had expressed hope for Ødegaard’s early return. However, the latest update suggests that it will be a longer road to recovery than initially expected.

Ødegaard’s absence has not held back Arsenal, who currently sit atop the Premier League standings. Nevertheless, fans and teammates alike are eager for his return to the pitch.