Arsenal captain Martin Odegard was injured last month, but that didn’t prevent the influential midfielder from playing for Norway during his international break
Martin Odegard claimed that the shoulder issues he maintained last month are now “under control,” and scotched after calling on international duties to propose a conflict of interest between Arsenal and Norway.
The Gunners captain, 26, was kicked out after defeating Leeds 5-0 after hurting his shoulder. He was considered healthy enough to feature the next weekend from the bench in a 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, but the news that an influential playmaker will represent Norway during an international break has sparked concerns online.
Odegaard missed a key part of last season after receiving an ankle injury during the September international break of the 2024-25 campaign. However, the former Real Madrid man eased his lingering fear of fitness before Arsenal returned to Premier League action this weekend.
“It hurts a lot, but now I’m in control of it and I feel ready,” Odegard said of his injuries at a press conference in Norway. “That was never a problem (conflict of interest between Norway and Arsenal).
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“I talk a lot with the old Solbacken (the manager of Norway). The club clearly wanted me from Liverpool. My only job was to prepare.”
Odegaard started in Norway last week after a 1-0 victory in Finland before retreating at halftime. Norwegian host Moldova in World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday night before the Premier League was centre-staged again.
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The Norwegian captain also called out to Declan Rice to take over him as captain at an appeal from Arsenal legend Tony Adams.
“To be honest, I don’t care that much,” Odegard said. “Everyone can have their own opinions and say what they want. I’m fine with that. I don’t care what anyone says.
“There are a lot of negative and positive things to say, but I can’t influence it. That’s what I’ve been thinking throughout my career.”
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