Arsenal boost as Martin Odegaard sent home from international duty barely 24 hours after arriving
ARSENAL midfielder Martin Odegaard has been sent home from international duty – despite returning from injury last week.
The 25-year-old made his first start in three months against Chelsea on Sunday after recovering from a damaged ankle.
He then joined up with the Norwegian national team ahead of upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.
But after being assessed by Norway’s medical staff, he returned to London.
Odegaard said: “After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately concluded that the situation is not good enough to play these matches.
“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 per cent yet.
“I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape.
“The hope has always been to be able to play the national matches, and if I hadn’t played on Sunday, it would have been out of the question to participate anyway.
“It’s a very bad feeling to lose these games, I love playing for Norway and with this team.”
Norway manager Stale Solbakken went on to say that he was not willing to risk the midfielder’s health.
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He explained: “We knew that there was a risk that Martin would not be ready.
“He has had a strong desire to take part in the matches, but we cannot risk his health.”
Odegaard will now continue his rehabilitation with Arsenal in London.
Arsenal stars Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad on Monday due to injury.
Saka was forced off with a knock during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Rice suffered a broken toe prior to the Premier League clash, but was fit enough to play 71 minutes.
Arsenal ratings v Chelsea
Here's how SunSport's Tony Robertson rated the Gunners:
David Raya – 7
Tipped a shot over the bar early on from Cole Palmer and claimed crosses well. Could do nothing about Neto’s crisp strike.
Ben White – 5
Poor when trying to stop a Neto cross that Malo Gusto should have then scored. Booked for a foul on the winger later on.
William Saliba – 6
Steady alongside Gabriel but was more in the covering role so had less to do. Struggled with his line-breaking passes today on the whole. Failed to engage Neto as he raced towards the area before narrowing a shot into the corner.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 6
Made some vital blocks when the midfield was bypassed and was generally the busier of himself and Saliba.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Busy day for the defender in trying to keep Madueke quiet, a task he largely succeeded in. But he wasn’t able to heavily influence the game going forward since the ball never really got to him. Most entertaining part of the game before the goal probably came with the 57th-minute throw-in that slipped out of his hands and over his head.
Thomas Partey – 6
Struggled to contain Cole Palmer early on but grew into the game and got on the ball plenty, although he was somewhat wayward with his long-range passing. After a bad touch he managed to poke the ball back to Odegaard before he provided the assist.
Declan Rice – 6
Made some vital defensive contributions to block some Chelsea chances and displayed quick thinking at a free-kick to put Havertz through to score, but was marginally offside. Subbed off after 71 minutes.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Back in the starting XI for the first time since August. Has been a big miss for Arteta’s side but may take some time to get back to his best and was on the ball nowhere near enough at the Bridge. Won the ball back before providing the assist for Martinelli’s opener.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Showed superb defensive work rate to keep Marc Cucurella in check, though this inversely meant he was unable to contribute as much in attack. Subbed off after pulling up injured in the 79th minute.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Should have done better when given the chance to score past Sanchez in the penalty area after Saka won the ball back high. Kept at it and scored against the run of play in the second half with a nice finish to Sanchez’s near post. Hooked after 71 minutes.
Kai Havertz – 6
Appeared to have poked home the opening goal with a sharp bit of movement but was fractionally offside. Booked for not going off the pitch when bleeding on his head.