Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been named in Norway’s squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League clash against Wales.
The 27-year-old playmaker has been nursing an ankle issue sustained late on in Norway’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal on Sunday.
The injury followed a late challenge from Real Madrid midfielder Bernardo Silva, which left Odegaard frustrated.
Odegaard subsequently missed consecutive training sessions at the team’s base as Norway’s medical staff monitored the severity of his injury.
The news inevitably caused anxiety back in London, with Arsenal already managing several fitness concerns across the squad.
However, Stale Solbakken’s decision to include his captain in the travelling squad for Wales suggests Odegaard could play a part in Cardiff.
Solbakken has indicated that while Odegaard is eager to lead his country, every precaution is being taken to protect his long-term fitness.
Norway’s medical team will be mindful that rushing their skipper back could worsen the injury, potentially damaging international aspirations and Arsenal’s title hopes.
Arsenal will hope that common sense prevails and that Odegaard is either rested or handled with extreme care.
With a crucial run of Premier League and Champions League fixtures to navigate after the international break, they will be eager for Odegaard to return unscathed.
