Positive Injury Update for Arsenal Star as Crucial Matches Loom

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is making good progress in his recovery from an ankle injury, with hopes that he will return to action soon.

After sustaining the injury during international duty in September, the Norwegian playmaker has been ruled out for several weeks.

However, reports from both Arsenal and Norway suggest that Odegaard’s return is on schedule, providing a major boost to the Gunners as they prepare for a series of critical matches.

Recovery Progress ‘Going to Plan’

Norway manager Stale Solbakken has provided an update on Odegaard’s condition, confirming that the midfielder’s recovery is proceeding well.

Speaking to Norwegian outlet VG, Solbakken shared that everything is “going to plan” and that there is hope Odegaard will be available for Norway’s upcoming international matches in November.

“It’s about taking the last steps now, which include training with opponents and full team sessions,” Solbakken said.

“It depends on how he responds, but we have legitimate hope that he will be ready.”

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has also expressed optimism about Odegaard’s return, suggesting that the midfielder could be back in action before the next international break, which runs from 10 to 18 November.

This timeline would see the Gunners’ captain return just in time for some of Arsenal’s biggest games of the season.

Key Fixtures Await Arsenal

Arsenal are facing a gruelling schedule, with three crucial matches in the space of just eight days before the next international break.

The Gunners travel to face Newcastle United in the Premier League on 2 November, followed by a highly anticipated Champions League clash against Inter Milan on 6 November.

Just days later, they take on Chelsea in another important Premier League fixture on 10 November.

Although Odegaard’s return to the squad will be a significant boost, the Arsenal captain is expected to miss the upcoming match against Liverpool on Sunday.

Arteta’s side will hope to get back to winning ways after suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth last weekend, a match in which William Saliba was controversially sent off.

Odegaard on Saliba’s Red Card and His Recovery

While recovering from his injury, Odegaard has remained an influential figure within the Arsenal camp.

He recently commented on the controversial red card shown to William Saliba during the Bournemouth match, describing the decision as “strange” and questioning the role of VAR in the incident.

“My first feeling was that a yellow card would be enough, and it was the same for the referee initially,” Odegaard told the Arsenal website.

“He had a clear view of it, so I thought it was strange that VAR should then change his decision. It’s done now, though, so we have to move on and focus on the next game.”

As for his own recovery, Odegaard remains optimistic, despite the challenges of dealing with an ankle injury.

He explained that the rehabilitation process has had its ups and downs, but overall, his condition is steadily improving.

“I’ve been working hard on my recovery and missing out on big Champions League nights just makes me more determined to get back,” Odegaard said.

“I’ve been using an anti-gravity treadmill, which has helped me get back to running without putting too much weight on my ankle. It’s been a good step in my recovery, and I feel like I’m getting closer now.”

Arsenal will be hoping that their captain can return to full fitness soon, as they navigate a difficult run of fixtures that could define their season.