Martin Odegaard is nearing a return from injury. Meanwhile, several Arsenal players, including Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice, featured prominently for their national teams over the international break.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard provided an encouraging update on his recovery from a knee injury that has sidelined him since early October, according to a report from Hayters.
Odegaard traveled with the Norway squad to support them as they beat Italy 4-1 to seal their first World Cup appearance since 1998.
In an interview with TV2 sport before the match, Odegaard stated: “[The recovery] it’s moving forward. Today’s match came a bit too early. But it’s starting to look better, so hopefully I’ll be back soon.”
The club faces further injury concerns following the break. Defender Gabriel was withdrawn in the second half of Brazil’s 2-0 win over Senegal, with scans confirming a thigh injury.
Additionally, Riccardo Calafiori returned early from international duty with Italy due to a hip injury.
In positive news for the Gunners, midfield target Martin Zubimendi was on the scoresheet, scoring in Spain’s dominant 4-0 win over Georgia, with Mikel Merino alongside him.
Elsewhere, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze featured for 62 minutes in England’s 2-0 win over Albania, while Bukayo Saka replaced Eze for the final 30 minutes. William Saliba was rested, watching from the bench as France beat Azerbaijan.
Other players with remaining fixtures include Jurrien Timber, expected to take part in the Netherlands’ fixture against Lithuania on Monday evening, along with Zubimendi, Merino, Raya, Norgaard, Trossard, and Piero Hincapie, who all have one final game remaining on Tuesday.