Odegaard omitted from Norway squad but could still feature in Carabao Cup final

Martin Odegaard has been left out of Norway’s squad for upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Switzerland, though manager Stale Solbakken indicated he may reconsider if the Arsenal captain features in this weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.

The midfielder has been sidelined since injuring his knee while attempting to prevent Keane Lewis-Potter from scoring during last month’s 1-1 draw with Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium. After missing the subsequent match against Wolves, Odegaard made a brief substitute appearance against Tottenham, even setting up a late goal for Viktor Gyokeres.

That cameo proved costly, leading to a setback that has kept him out of the last seven matches across three competitions. The injury troubles have significantly limited his involvement this season, with Odegaard managing just 1,405 minutes so far this campaign.

Season of disruption

For context, both Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have each accumulated around 2,000 minutes more than Odegaard this season – roughly equivalent to 22 additional full matches. The captain has also battled shoulder issues and a separate knee problem earlier in the campaign.

Odegaard’s last appearance for his country came in September, when he scored and provided two assists in an emphatic 11-1 victory over Moldova. Despite his absence, Norway secured World Cup qualification for the first time since 1998.

“If it turns out that he makes it into the League Cup final squad, we will make a new assessment,” Solbakken said. “I would prefer him to build his physique and get a proper training period.”

According to Arseblog, the Norway manager emphasized the bigger picture, stating: “He may get opportunities to do that during this national team period. So if he calls and says he’s okay, I’m still not sure I want him here. He is desperate to be in these training sessions and be ready. But we have to take the long view. It is the World Cup that counts, not friendly matches in March.”

Wembley hopes remain alive

Writing in the official matchday programme ahead of the recent win over Bayer Leverkusen, Odegaard remained optimistic about his recovery: “I’m working hard to be back as soon as I can, and I’m feeling stronger all the time.”

Whether Arsenal’s captain will be available for Sunday’s showpiece at Wembley remains unclear. Mikel Arteta’s press conference on Friday should provide more clarity on Odegaard’s fitness and potential involvement in the final against Manchester City.