Martin Odegaard’s injury concerns are causing increasing concern in Norway as he continues to struggle to fit in at Arsenal.
Aftenposten Today’s report on the situation and comments from Kjetil Reykdal, current Ålesund coach and former national team captain.
international absence
Martin Odegaard was absent for his country this international break as he is struggling with a knee problem.
The 27-year-old has not played a full match for Arsenal since December 30th. 13 minutes against Tottenham on 22 FebruaryRa That was the last time he was on the pitch.
Questions are being asked about his condition. There are growing concerns that Odegaard is now paying a price after starting his career so early. Reykdal is certainly concerned on that front.
“Of course it’s worrying,” He said.
“We have to remember he played senior football when he was 15. I’m not saying that’s the case. But it could mean the wear and tear is starting to take its toll on his body.
“He may not have as long a career in his 30s and beyond as other guys who start senior football later. That may be unfortunate, but he’s got plenty of breaks now.
“A player who gets injured doesn’t get a chance to do anything. The most important thing is that he has to train well before playing a match again.”
norway on arsenal
Kjetil Reykdal is now hoping the midfielder will prioritize playing for Norway at the World Cup this summer rather than Arsenal’s Premier League title bid.
The Gunners are on track to win the title for the first time since 2004. They are also in the final stages of the FA Cup and Champions League.
Martin Odegaard has played a part, but Mikel Arteta’s side have thrived without him this season amid their injury problems. Reykdal believes this gives Edgard an opportunity to focus elsewhere.
“Arsenal are heading towards a potential league title without Martin at the moment,He concluded.
“Now he might be thinking a bit Norwegian and selfish on our part. He prefers to get some games at the end of the season and we get Odegaard rested in top form for the World Cup.”
norway play it down
While concerns are growing about Arsenal’s midfielder leaving the group, Norway manager Stel Solbakken is not worried about his captain.
“I have full confidence in him,” he told TV2 after the game.
Solbakken told TV2 after the game, “He is in the game now. He is feeling minimal pain. Hopefully he will play one of Arsenal’s next games and then it will start on its own.”
“So, I’m not afraid of it, unless something new comes up. You never know, but it shouldn’t happen.”
Before the meeting started, VG asked whether Martin Odegaard’s long career was being affected. He downplayed those concerns.
“No, he’s had a few slaps. The fact he slept on the throw-in and been kicked in the stomach, I don’t think it has anything to do with his early start,” he insisted.
“‘I’m not worried about it. He has a light body and he didn’t play that many games in the beginning. He’s desperate to play games and come to these meetings, but it’s the World Cup that matters, not private internationals in March.’
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