Arsenal Receives Major Martin Odegaard Injury Update That Could Change Everything

Arsenal skipper Martin Ødegaard has been named in Norway's roster for September's World Cup qualifying match against Moldova and a friendly encounter with Finland.

This selection suggests that the shoulder problem the playmaker picked up during the weekend's dominant victory over Leeds United in the Premier League is likely only a minor setback. He was subsequently spotted wearing a sling after being substituted in the opening period.

However, earlier reports had indicated that Ødegaard could still be available for Arsenal's visit to Liverpool on Aug. 31, with Norwegian coaching staff evidently confident he'll be ready for international fixtures in early September.

The skipper was substituted by Ethan Nwaneri in the Leeds match. Should he be unavailable for the Liverpool clash, Arsenal supporters might anticipate seeing Eberechi Eze for the first time, as he wasn't registered in time to feature last weekend. He could bring pace and ingenuity, operating ahead of a more traditional midfield duo of Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi.

Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken remained vague following his squad reveal. "I don't have additional information to share," he stated. "I honestly know as much as you do. I've had conversations with Martin, and naturally, he remains optimistic. But it's an injury causing significant discomfort at present."

"We've only discussed the circumstances following the match," Solbakken added. "He was experiencing pain. He's under Arsenal's care, and they have a fixture on Sunday. There's nothing we can influence from our position."

Ødegaard was sidelined for 12 matches during the opening weeks of the previous campaign due to an ankle problem. He had been omitted from Norway's November international squad, but featured in two Arsenal games before traveling to Oslo for medical evaluation to determine his availability for national team duty. Nevertheless, Ødegaard ultimately returned to London after stating he needed to "pay attention" to his physical condition.

Bukayo Saka faces a somewhat extended period out of action. The English forward is anticipated to be absent for up to four weeks due to the hamstring injury he also sustained against Leeds. This would prevent him from participating against Liverpool on Sunday, along with missing England international commitments.