Martin Odegaard could be fit to feature in Norway’s Nations League matches in November – much to the anger of Arsenal supporters.
The Gunners skipper has been out since the start of September having suffered ankle ligament damage on international duty.
Arsenal have struggled for creativity in his absence, resulting in the club facing criticism over their lack of free-flowing football.
But Norway boss Stale Solbakken has issued a positive update on the 25-year-old’s fitness – suggesting he could be called up to face Slovenia and Kazakhstan next month.
Commenting on the former Real Madrid playmaker, Solbakken told news outlet Verdens Gang: “Everything indicates that things are going according to plan.
“Then it is about the last steps when you are going to train with opponents and at team training.
“It depends on how he responds to it, but we have a justified hope that he is ready [to feature next month].
“I’ve spoken to him quite regularly. Now that it’s starting to progress, it’s easier, but it’s not fun to be injured.
“At the same time, he has been very little injured, so it is probably a training matter for him.”
But Gooners haven’t taken kindly to Solbakken’s remarks, as they took to social media to vent their anger at the prospect of Odegaard possibly risking a further setback.
One disgruntled fan on X posted: “With all due respect, f*** off.”
Another messaged: “Not a bloody chance! Leave our captain alone!”
2
A third added: “If Arsenal allows him to go then we are an unserious club.”
This user then commented: “This is where Arsenal say NO. Odeggard must also refuse to go.”
Meanwhile another simply stated: “No f****** way.”
Odegaard himself insisted he was nearing a return back to the pitch in his captain’s notes for Arsenal’s pre-match programme for their clash with Shakhtar.
Though he conceded that he has encountered minor setbacks in his rehabilitation process, which has delayed his eagerly-anticipated comeback.
He wrote: “I’ve been working very hard on my recovery in the past few weeks, and missing out on big Champions League nights like this just makes me more determined and motivated to get back as soon as possible.
“I’m feeling better and better each day, but when it’s an ankle injury you have ups and downs as well.
“Some days you feel really good, and then sometimes you can have a little reaction. But in general it’s getting better and I feel like I’m getting closer now.”
Odegaard is one of a number of players that could be out of action for Sunday’s crunch clash with Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
Doubts remain over Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber, while Willam Saliba is suspended following his red card at Bournemouth.
Though in positive news, talkSPORT understands that Bukayo Saka is likely to win his fitness battle having missed the last two fixtures with a hamstring niggle.
