Norway manager Stale Solbakken remains optimistic about including Martin Ødegaard in the squad for the October international break, despite the Arsenal captain dealing with ankle ligament damage.
Ødegaard sustained the injury during the recent September international fixtures. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta stated last week that the midfielder is likely to be out “for a while” and expressed doubts about his availability for Norway’s upcoming matches.
While Arteta did not provide a specific timeline for Ødegaard’s return, he noted that it would be “hopefully not months.”
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Solbakken has not completely ruled Ødegaard out for the UEFA Nations League matches against Slovenia and Austria on October 10 and 13, respectively, and remains hopeful about the potential return of his skipper.
“We plan with and without him,” the coach told the Norwegian press agency NTB. Norway’s national team doctor, Ola Sand, is also maintaining communication with Arsenal regarding Ødegaard’s condition.
If Ødegaard were to be called up, he would need to report by Monday, October 7, which is only 12 days away. The squad announcement will precede this date, making it unlikely for the 25-year-old to be fit enough in time.
Following their Carabao Cup match against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday night—where 16-year-old goalkeeper Jack Porter may make his debut as emergency cover for David Raya—Arsenal will face Leicester City, Paris Saint-Germain, and Southampton before the international break.
Arteta has been candid about the impact of being without Ødegaard.
“He is our captain and undoubtedly one of our most important players. He has been one of the most consistent performers over the last two or three seasons,” the manager explained.
“Our identity is closely tied to his style of play and leadership. We will have to adapt, which will be a significant test for the team to demonstrate that we have other players and options who can still be very effective.”