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WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal fans can breathe a sigh of relief as their captain has confirmed that he will not feature for the Norway national team in their upcoming Nations League matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan. Odegaard made the Gunners’ starting lineup for the first time since August on Sunday and provided the assist for Gabriel Martinelli’s goal in the club’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League.
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AFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
After the Stamford Bridge clash, the former Real Madrid midfielder travelled to join up with his Norway colleagues. However, after an assessment of his condition by the Norway national team medical staff, it has been decided that Odegaard will be rested for the matches to complete his full rehab.
WHAT MARTIN ODEGAARD SAID
Speaking to reporters, the 25-year-old said: “After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately come to the conclusion that the situation is not good enough to play these games.
“I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practised football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100 percent yet. I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape.”
He added: “The hope has always been to be able to play the national matches, and if I hadn’t played the match on Sunday, it would have been out of the question to participate for Norway anyway. But it’s a bad feeling to lose these games, 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.”
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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR MARTIN ODEGAARD?
The midfield star is hoping to regain his full fitness and take the field for Arsenal again after the international break as they face high-flying Nottingham Forest in a Premier League clash on November 23.
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