Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is nearing a return to full fitness but is unlikely to be ready for the Premier League clash against Liverpool on Sunday.
According to Norway’s national team coach, Ståle Solbakken, Odegaard could be fit in time for Norway’s Nations League matches next month.
Norway are set to face Slovenia in Ljubljana on November 12, followed by a home match against Kazakhstan three days later.
Solbakken has expressed “justified hope” that the Arsenal captain will regain his fitness in time to be included in the squad.
Odegaard has been sidelined since early September due to damaged ankle ligaments sustained during Norway’s Nations League victory over Austria.
Solbakken told Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang: “Everything indicates that (Odegaard’s injury) is going according to plan, then it is about the last steps when you are going to train with opponents and at team training.”
“It depends on how he responds to it, but we have a justified hope that he is ready.”
“I’ve spoken to him quite regularly.
“Now that it’s starting to progress, it’s easier, but it’s not fun to be injured.
“At the same time, he has been very little injured, so it is probably a training matter for him.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed hope last week that Martin Odegaard would be ready to rejoin the squad soon, potentially within the next week.
However, Odegaard was absent from Arsenal’s Champions League home victory against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.
The Gunners now prepare to host Premier League leaders Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday.
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