Martin Odegaard named in Norway squad despite shoulder injury concern

Martin Odegaard has been named in Norway’s squad ahead of their fixtures against Finland and Moldova. 

The 26-year-old landed awkwardly on his shoulder after shielding the ball away from Anton Stach in Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds United on Saturday, and although he played on for an additional ten minutes after receiving treatment, Mikel Arteta eventually withdrew him in the 38th minute. 

The Arsenal and Norway captain was sighted leaving the stadium with his arm in a sling, heightening concerns over the extent of the injury. 

Speaking after the game, Arteta said: “Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed. We don’t know. We’ll have to scan him tomorrow and understand a bit better.”

However, following Sunday’s scans, there is optimism within the club that the injuries to both him and Bukayo Saka are not as serious as initially feared.

That confidence has been reflected in Norway’s decision to include him in their latest squad. 

Ståle Solbakken’s side, spearheaded by Odegaard and Manchester City forward Erling Haaland, have won all four of their matches so far in Group I as they chase a first World Cup appearance since 1998. 

They face Finland in a friendly next Thursday and then take on Moldova in a more crucial World Cup qualifier on September 9, with both matches held at the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo.

It also comes as a possible boost for Arsenal ahead of a difficult test against reigning champions Liverpool on Sunday. Fresh from a 3-2 victory at Newcastle, Liverpool are one of only three sides, along with Arsenal, to have maintained a perfect start to the season.

Whether Odegaard is fit to play, Arsenal now have enough depth to cover for him in their attacking arsenal. Ethan Nwaneri impressed after coming on against Leeds, while new signing Eberechi Eze could be in line for a starting role in his debut, featuring in a more familiar central role rather than out wide should Odegaard be unavailable.