Anticipation heightens as Odegaard nears return to action

Arsenal midfielder and captain Martin Odegaard has not seen action for the club since picking an ankle injury while on international duty with Norway in September.
However, Arsenal fans can start to look forward to their captain’s return following positive updates from Mikel Arteta and Norway boss Stale Solbakken. Solbakken recently hinted that he should have the midfielder back in time for the international break in November. Odegaard’s absence has been telling on the Arsenal team and with him expected back soon, the team can see some improvements in leadership, especially in the midfield.
The Gunners suffered a setback in their title hopes when they lost to Bournemouth last weekend. They face an in-form Liverpool next in an important game. The Norwegian may not be available in time for the crucial match, but both Arteta and his national team coach have reasons to believe he’ll be back before the next international break. Solbakken said, “Everything indicates that things are going according to plan. So it’s about the last steps when you have to train with opponents and in team training. It depends on how he responds to that, but we have a legitimate hope that he is ready.”
Beyond their clash with Liverpool this weekend, Arsenal face further difficult fixtures with an away Champions League match with Inter and Premier League trips to Newcastle and Chelsea. Arsenal fans will hope he is available for this run of schedule before traveling for international duty as Norway battle Slovenia and Kazakhstan in the Nations League.