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Martin Odegaard has been named in Norway’s latest squad to allay injury fears ahead of a crucial week ahead for Arsenal.
The midfielder, a hugely influential figure as captain of club and country, has been included in Stale Solbakken’s starting line-up as his side begin their Nations League Group B3 campaign against Kazakhstan at the Almaty Central Stadium on Friday afternoon.
Odegaard’s fitness will be a huge relief for Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta, who will be hoping his captain does not suffer further international setbacks.
The 25-year-old has started all three of the Gunners’ Premier League games so far this season but suffered a knock following a first-half tackle from Yankuba Minteh in last weekend’s controversial 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Odegaard received treatment on the pitch before being passed fit to continue, although he appeared to take some time to recover from the problem and had an uncharacteristically muted impact on the game before eventually being replaced by Gabriel Martinelli with just over 15 minutes remaining at the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking about his captain’s fitness at a press conference ahead of the Kazakhstan match on Thursday, Solbakken caused concern when he said: “I think it’s another knock. I was going to say I think it’s something other than a knock, so to speak.”
However, Odegaard himself has allayed any fears over a lingering injury, telling reporters: “I feel good.
“I took a few hits during the match [against Brighton]but I feel better now. Yesterday I trained normally without any problems and I am ready for the match.
If he emerges unscathed from the clash against Kazakhstan and Monday night’s home game against Austria in Oslo, Arteta will be relieved to have Odegaard fit and available for what is already shaping up to be a potentially critical week for Arsenal so early in the new season.
The Gunners make the short trip to face bitter rivals Tottenham in the first north London derby of the season in their first game back after the international break on September 15, then kick off their Champions League campaign against current Europa League holders Atalanta in Italy just three days before another big away encounter against title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Odegaard’s absence would have sparked something of a midfield crisis against Spurs for Arteta, who is already without Declan Rice and Mikel Merino for a high-profile visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Rice is suspended for one match after his controversial sending off against Brighton, while new signing Merino suffered a fractured shoulder in his first ever training session at London Colney after finally completing a £31.6million move from Real Sociedad last week and is expected to be out for almost two months.
Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus could return from a groin injury to play some part against Tottenham, although defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring) both remain sidelined.
