Norway boss Ståle Solbakken has confirmed that he intends to call up Martin Odegaard for the national team in November, despite the Arsenal captain currently being sidelined due to injury.
Odegaard has been absent for over six weeks following an ankle injury sustained while playing for Norway in September.
Although he has reportedly entered the final stage of his recovery, he remains unavailable for Mikel Arteta’s squad as they continue to grapple with injury issues.
Odegaard missed Norway’s recent matches against Slovenia and Austria earlier this month. Norway secured a convincing 3-0 victory at home against Slovenia but suffered a disappointing 5-1 defeat to Austria.
Following these results, they currently sit at the top of their Nations League group, level on points with Slovenia and Austria.
Looking ahead, Solbakken has expressed his hope to include Martin Odegaard in the squad for the final two group-stage matches in November as Norway aim to qualify for the knockout stages.
Speaking to VG, Solbakken said: “Odegaard’s recovery?
“Everything indicates that things are going according to plan.
“So it’s about the last steps when you have to train with opponents and in team training.
“It depends on how he responds to that, but we have a legitimate hope that he is ready.”
Solbakken’s men are set to face Slovenia and Kazakhstan on November 14 and November 17, respectively.
Norway will be hopeful that Odegaard will be fit enough to make a significant impact in these matches as they aim to secure promotion to League A as winners of Group B3.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are keeping their options open regarding Bukayo Saka’s availability for Sunday’s crucial clash against Liverpool.
After Tuesday night’s victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League, head coach Mikel Arteta stated that it was “unlikely” Saka would be fit for the visit of Arne Slot’s league leaders due to a hamstring injury sustained during international duty.
However, the Daily Mail claims Saka is determined to prove his fitness for the matchup against the Merseysiders.
Arsenal are willing to give the young winger every chance to be available for selection.
Both England and Arsenal’s medical teams believe the injury is not serious, and Arteta has previously asserted that Bukayo Saka is not expected to be a long-term absentee.
While it remains uncertain whether Saka will be included in the squad to face Liverpool, there is a sense of optimism that he can be fit, provided he doesn’t experience any setbacks before the match.
Read more: Christian Eriksen provides latest update on Manchester United contract situation
“You were not inside the stadium?” – Arne Slot clashes with reporter after Liverpool win at Leipzig
Pep Guardiola reveals Erling Haaland plan after Manchester City wonderful goal
