Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, faces a challenge as he strives to recover in time for the Premier League encounter against Burnley following a recent injury setback.
Martin Odegaard is in a race against time to be fit for the weekend’s Premier League match against Burnley after being sidelined with an injury. The midfielder was unable to play in Arsenal‘s recent 2-0 victory over Sevilla, which saw the team edge closer to the Champions League knockout stages.
While he has been carrying a hip problem, it was reported this is a different, as yet unclarified, issue, which contrasts with what Odegaard’s international manager has said (see below).
Post-match, Mikel Arteta took a hopeful yet uncertain tone about Odegaard‘s return.
“They are racing against the clock to be fit and they are trying their best. They tried to be here today with us. It wasn’t possible and now we have another 48 hours before we play Burnley. We will try again and we will see because we need players at the moment,” he explained, including Eddie Nketiah in his assessment, who is also recovering from a knock.
Despite the lack of match fitness that kept him from the field in Arsenal‘s last two games, Odegaard has been called up by Norway for the international fixtures after this weekend.
Ahead of the game against Burnley, Mikel Arteta said to the media, “He’s still racing (against the clock). He’s trying everything that he can so let’s see. It’s a possibility.”
It was notable that, as he said it, he raised his left shoulder, an unconscious movement that body language experts will tell you indicate he has little faith in what he is saying.
Norway’s manager, Ståle Solbakken, has voiced his concerns, acknowledging Odegaard‘s situation in more depth than Arteta. “We are worried about Martin. He is very doubtful,” Solbakken said. “He has an injury that doesn’t seem to let go. We’ll have to see what happens this week.”
Further assessments are due for Odegaard, with Solbakken adding, “He will be examined even more, then we will see what it brings in terms of matches and playing time.”
The emphasis on Odegaard‘s importance was clear as the coach noted, “If he doesn’t play, it’s historic. He is the only one who has played all the games for me.”
Arsenal‘s next game is against Burnley on Saturday at 15:00 GMT, a fixture they will approach with caution given their fitness concerns throughout the squad. Both Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu came off injured against Sevilla, adding to Arsenal’s growing injury list.
Following this, the international break commences, with Norway set to play the Faroe Islands and Scotland.
Despite Norway’s elimination from direct Euro 2024 qualification, they still have a chance for a playoff spot through their Nations League performance, a campaign they would ideally tackle with Odegaard in their ranks.