Despite widespread reports suggesting that Martin Ødegaard could be fit for Arsenal after the international break, Norwegian head coach Ståle Solbakken played down these suggestions during his recent press conference. Football London.
The 2025-26 season has been a challenging one for Ødegaard, who first struggled with two separate shoulder injuries in the opening weeks before suffering a serious knee problem during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham in October following a collision with Crysencio Summerville – a setback that has kept him out ever since.
The midfielder has now reached a crucial stage in his rehabilitation and will continue to work with the Norwegian medical staff this week as he remains with the squad to support him.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has refused to give a specific timetable for Odegaard’s recovery. However, he recently hinted that the Norwegian, along with Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, was ‘not far away’ from a return.
However, Solbakken seemed less optimistic when quizzed about his captain’s fitness at the start of the November international window. Although he confirmed Ødegaard would travel to Norway to join the squad, he stressed there are no plans for him to feature in any matches and suggested the midfielder remains some distance away from a full return.
Odegaard could miss the clash with Tottenham
‘It’s stable’ Solbakken said about Odegaard’s injury recovery. ‘It’s going in a steady direction, but it’s some distance away.
‘He’ll fly in [to Oslo] after his rehabilitation on Thursday. He will then continue his rehabilitation with us and will be with us from Thursday afternoon. I don’t know when the flight leaves. But he will stay with us until Milan.’
A win over Estonia on Thursday could see Norway book a ticket to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico – as long as Italy drops points against Moldova.
Should the qualifying battle extend to the final matchday, Norway would have the chance to clinch their spot at San Siro against Italy.
Arsenal, meanwhile, were cautious about accelerating Ødegaard’s recovery but initially hoped he would return in time for the North London Derby against Tottenham on November 23.
That scenario now seems unlikely, although the Gunners remain hopeful he will return to action well before the busy Christmas schedule.
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