Martin Odegaard in Norway squad for Wales after Arsenal injury scare
Martin Odegaard has been named in Norway's 23-man squad for their Nations League match against Wales in Cardiff. The Arsenal captain is in contention to play after scans eased fears over the ankle problem he suffered against Portugal.
- Match: Wales vs Norway, Nations League
- Venue: Cardiff
- Squad: Odegaard included in Norway's 23-man squad
- Injury: Ankle problem, kicked from behind by Bernardo Silva
- Next: Norway vs Portugal on Sunday
Injury and availability
Odegaard took a kick from behind by Bernardo Silva in Arsenal's defeat to Portugal. He left the stadium limping and has spent most of the week managing pain rather than training fully. Scans have offered reassurance.
Norway do not believe this is a serious injury. The pain has reduced significantly and there is no plan to send him back to Arsenal early. He has travelled to Cardiff and has been included in the 23-man squad.
What was said
"I wish I could say yes, but I don't know. I can't say no either. He's going to do some testing today, but we'll see. He's here. If he wasn't, there wouldn't have been a chance."
"It's whether he's a hundred [per cent]. Whether he feels like he can play with it. He has to feel like he's useful and that his body is giving him the answers he wants. Then there's still over a day until the game."
Solbakken's comments suggest Odegaard will be given every chance to prove his fitness. The manager is not ruling him out, but he is not guaranteeing a start either. It will come down to how Odegaard feels after testing.
Norway are clearly taking a cautious approach. They will not force him to play if he is not ready, but his presence in the squad is a positive sign. If he comes through the final checks, he could feature.
What happens next
Odegaard will undergo further testing before a decision is made. If he passes, he could play some part against Wales. Assuming no setback, he is expected to stay with the squad for the return meeting with Portugal on Sunday.
Frequently asked questions
Is Martin Odegaard playing for Norway against Wales?
He is in the squad and has a chance to play, but a final decision will be made after testing. Norway manager Stale Solbakken said he doesn't know yet.
What injury does Martin Odegaard have?
He has an ankle problem after taking a kick from behind by Bernardo Silva in Arsenal's defeat to Portugal.
Will Odegaard return to Arsenal early?
No, there is no plan to send him back early. He is expected to stay with the Norway squad for the Portugal game on Sunday.
Why Norway's cautious approach makes sense for Arsenal
Arsenal will be watching this situation closely. Odegaard is their captain and chief creative force, and any prolonged absence would be a significant blow. The fact that Norway have not sent him back to London suggests the problem is manageable.
For Norway, having Odegaard available for the Nations League is important, but they also have a responsibility to manage his minutes. Solbakken's comments indicate they will not take unnecessary risks. If Odegaard plays, it will likely be because he feels fully fit.
From an Arsenal perspective, the best-case scenario is that Odegaard comes through the international break without aggravating the injury. Even if he does not play against Wales, staying with the squad and building fitness could benefit him for the Portugal match.
Talking points
- Should Norway risk Odegaard against Wales if he is not 100% fit?
- Arsenal fans will be nervous about their captain playing international matches while carrying a knock.
- Solbakken's honesty is refreshing, but does it reveal uncertainty in his squad?
- If Odegaard misses Wales, will he be ready for Portugal on Sunday?
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