Arsenal Captain Martin Odegaard Sidelined for Norway’s Nations League Matches

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard will be absent from Norway’s upcoming Nations League matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan. This decision comes as he continues his recuperation from an ankle injury that previously sidelined him for two months. Odegaard recently rejoined the Gunners’ lineup last week, participating from the start in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea. Speaking to the official Norwegian Football Association website, Odegaard stated, “After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately concluded that the situation is not good enough to play these matches.” He further elaborated, “I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practised football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100% yet.” Odegaard emphasized the need for recovery, adding, “I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape.” He also expressed his desire to play for his country, saying, “The hope has always been to be able to play the national matches and if I hadn’t played on Sunday, it would have been out of the question to participate anyway.” Concluding his remarks, he shared, “It’s a very bad feeling to lose these games. I love playing for Norway and with this team.”