Arsenal 'handed Martin Odegaard injury boost'

By Ben Sully | 18 November 2023

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is reportedly set to return from injury in time for next Saturday's Premier League away meeting with Brentford.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is reportedly expected to return from injury in time for the club's next Premier League game against Brentford.

Odegaard is currently working on his recovery after missing Arsenal's last three matches as well as international duty with Norway.

Despite struggling with a hip issue in recent weeks, concussion protocol has kept Odegaard out of games against Sevilla, Newcastle United and Burnley.

The playmaker was struck in the face with a ball during a training session prior to Arsenal's 1-0 loss to Newcastle earlier this month.

As a result of the incident, Odegaard has not played for Mikel Arteta's side since featuring as a substitute in an EFL Cup defeat against West Ham United on November 1.

Norway's Martin Odegaard during the warm up on October 15, 2023 © Reuters

While Odegaard was unable to join up with his international teammates, Norway boss Stale Solbakken recently played down concerns over the severity of the player's injury.

Having had time to recover during the international break, football.london are reporting that Odegaard is expected to be available for Arsenal's away meeting with Brentford next weekend.

The report claims that Odegaard trained at London Colney on Tuesday, and barring any setbacks, he will come back into the fold ahead of a busy run of fixtures.

Speaking ahead of Norway's Euro 2024 qualifiers against Scotland, Solbakken also reinforced the idea that Odegaard is closing in on a return to action.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken before the match on October 12, 2023 © Reuters

"I've just come from a 45-minute talk with Martin," Solkbakken told reporters. "He is getting better and better and gradually stepping up.

"It has been more or less three weeks without any special training, so it is important to take things step by step. Both he and Arsenal probably hope that he is available for the Brentford match."

Prior to his recent absence, Odegaard had featured 15 times for the Gunners this season, registering five goals and one assist.

If is he involved against Brentford next Saturday, the 24-year-old will try to help Arsenal claim a third consecutive victory in all competitions.