Martin Odegaard forced to withdraw from international squad
Martin Odegaard forced to withdraw from international squad. Last week, the Norway national team squad list for the Nations League games against Slovenia and Kazakhstan were released and the name of the team’s captain was included, but the midfielder would not be taking a part for the upcoming fixtures.
Previously in September, the Arsenal captain suffered a nasty ankle ligament injury while representing his country, and has since been sidelined for both for club and country.
His absence on the pitch both as a leader and a creative pivot was felt most by Arsenal who went on a downward spiral, losing games to Bournemouth and Newcastle in the Premier League and struggling to create chances from the midfield.
Though the midfielder finally made his returned to the pitch starting his first game for the gunners in over two months against Chelsea on Sunday and also providing the assist to help earn his team a point at Stamford Bridge, but the Norwegian team’s head coach Stale Solbakken has decided that his captain needs to stay put and recover during the International break.
According to reports, Martin Odegaard did travelled to join his team but after some tests, the medical team decided that it was better if he stayed out for a while.
Speaking to the Norwegian national team official website, Odegaard said;
“After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately concluded that the situation is not good enough to play these matches.”
“I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practiced football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100% yet.
“I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape. The hope has always been to be able to play the national matches, and if I hadn’t played on Sunday, it would have been out of the question to participate anyway.”
Norway are top of their table in the Nations League with seven points in four matches and with their recent performances without the danger man, it looks like they will just do alright without Odegaard.
“It’s a very bad feeling to lose these games,” Odegaard admitted.
“I love playing for Norway and with this team. But I have great faith in the boys and wish them the best of luck – there are still good opportunities to win the group.”
Manager Solbakken, added:
“We knew that there was a risk that Martin would not be ready. He has had a strong desire to take part in the matches, but we cannot risk his health. So I am sure that the boys are ready to give their all in the games that await us and that many will step up in his absence.”
Mikel Arteta on his performance against Chelsea praised the 25 year old for his ability to put in a high level performance even though he was out for six weeks and had little time to prepare for the match.
