Martin Ødegaard makes Norway list despite injury concerns

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·27. August 2025

Martin Ødegaard makes Norway list despite injury concerns

Martin Ødegaard has been included in the Norway squad for September’s round of international fixtures in what could be a major boost to Arsenal. The player picked up a shoulder injury in the second half against Leeds United last weekend, prompting a concerned reaction from Mikel Arteta in his post match press conference. Subsequent reports following scans on Sunday revealed the injury was not as severe as initially feared. The same cannot be said for Bukayo Saka, with the same reports ruling him out for up to four weeks with a hamstring injury. Despite the positivity surrounding Ødegaard’s injury, he remains a doubt for the trip to Anfield on Sunday.

Norway confirm Ødegaard inclusion

That said, the Norwegian will likely feature in the international break for his country as he has been called up for September’s fixtures. As cited by the Norwegian national team X account, Martin Ødegaard will join the likes of Manchester City duo Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb, along with Atletico Madrid’s Alexander Sørloth, in the squad. Norway will first play Finland in a friendly on September 4 before facing Moldova in a World Cup qualifier five days later. His inclusion further solidifies the positive reports following his injury. The skipper may well feature during the international break, but he remains a doubt ahead of the Liverpool clash this weekend. There is still time for things to change and Mikel Arteta will provide further updates in his press conference on Friday, so fans will be optimistic of his involvement in the encounter.

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Arsenal options in Ødegaard’s absence

If Ødegaard does not make it in time for the clash, Arsenal are well stocked in attack. Ethan Nwaneri came on as a like-for-like replacement against Leeds United and could reprise the role once again on Sunday. The other, more exciting option is the inclusion of Eberechi Eze in the starting lineup. The England international would be a perfect fit in a marauding number 10 role, providing the spark for the Gunners in the absence of Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.

Early thoughts on who should play the number 10 role in the potential absence of Martin Ødegaard?

Benjamin Kenneth

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