Martin Odegaard has been included in Norway's 23-man squad for their Nations League match against Wales in Cardiff on Thursday night. The Arsenal captain sustained an ankle problem on Sunday evening after a challenge from Bernardo Silva late in Norway's defeat to Portugal.
Injury assessed and progress made
Odegaard reacted angrily to the tackle and later said in an interview that the challenge had "no place on a football pitch". He limped out of the stadium and spent limited time on the training pitch this week, with the focus on managing his pain.
Norway's medical staff have stayed in regular contact with Arsenal throughout. Although initial concerns were raised after the match, the outlook has improved in the days since, and the issue is not considered significant. Scans confirmed Odegaard had not suffered a serious injury, and the pain he was dealing with has reduced considerably.
Late decision expected
Speaking at his pre-match press conference the day before the game, Norway boss Stale Solbakken said a late decision would be made on Odegaard's role. "I wish I could say yes, but I don't know," Solbakken said. "I can't say no either. He's going to do some testing today, but we'll see. He's here. If he wasn't, there wouldn't have been a chance."
Solbakken added: "It's whether he's a hundred [per cent]. Whether he feels like he can play with it. He has to feel like he's useful and that his body is giving him the answers he wants. Then there's still over a day until the game."
No early return to Arsenal
There are no plans for Odegaard to return to Arsenal early. Assuming there are no setbacks with his ankle, he is also expected to be named in Norway's squad for their trip to Portugal on Sunday night.
