, but you are not far off,” he said, indicating that while no returns were expected at the time, Odegaard and Martinelli could be available after the break.
Norway’s Urgent Need for Odegaard
While Arteta focuses on Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures, Norway national team manager is keen to have their captain back in action. The November international break offers a rare opportunity for Odegaard to play alongside his countrymen and secure a spot at the top of Group I in the UEFA Nations League.
“The dream scenario for Mikel Arteta will be that Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Noni Madueke, and Viktor Gyokeres all progress over the two-week domestic pause and are available to face Spurs,” Horn stated. However, Arsenal must give permission for Odegaard to travel as his rehabilitation could be crucial in securing a place at the World Cup.
Norway faces Estonia on Thursday before traveling to Udine on Sunday, setting the stage for a busy period that will test both Arteta and Odegaard’s resolve. The Norwegian manager will have to balance the needs of his national team with Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures.
Odegaard’s Injury Rehabilitation
In the meantime, Odegaard has been diligently working on his fitness while recovering from injury. In a recent interview, he revealed that he had been watching matches from home and focusing on rehab exercises to maintain his conditioning. “I’ve been back for a week now and working every day to keep my fitness up as well as trying to heal the injury,” Odegaard stated.
The midfielder also emphasized the importance of being around the team in different capacities, even when not on the pitch. “I’m there at Sobha every day around the team. I’m in the meetings, I’m at the games so I’m definitely around and helping in a different way,” he added.
Conclusion
A Key Player’s Return
The return of Martin Odegaard is not just significant for Arsenal but also crucial for their upcoming clash with Tottenham. With both teams vying for top spot in the Premier League, Arteta’s decisions over the coming weeks will determine whether Odegaard can play a decisive role in the North London Derby.
