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Arsenal have received a potential boost regarding Martin Odegaard's fitness for this weekend's game with Liverpool, after the midfielder was included in Norway's squad for the upcoming international break.
The Gunners were left concerned during their 5-0 victory over Leeds United at the weekend when Martin Odegaard suffered a shoulder problem following a challenge and couldn't continue.
Reluctant to gamble with his key playmaker, Mikel Arteta chose to substitute Odegaard in the 38th minute, bringing on Ethan Nwaneri as his replacement. Following the match, Arsenal boss Arteta admitted uncertainty about the severity of the injury and stated that further examinations were required first. The Spaniard will be eager to have Odegaard available as quickly as possible ahead of a vital title showdown at Liverpool on Sunday.
"So Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed," he said. "We don't know [how bad it is]. We'll have to scan him tomorrow and understand a bit better."
However, the Norway squad has provided a clue about his current fitness by confirming his inclusion in their group for the forthcoming September fixtures.
Norway are set to face Scandinavian rivals Finland in a friendly on September 4 before welcoming Moldova in a World Cup qualifier on September 9.
As Norway's skipper and star performer, Odegaard will be crucial to their plans, although his call-up doesn't necessarily confirm he has fully recovered from his injury concern.
The Leeds match has resulted in a second injury concern, with Bukayo Saka also having to leave the pitch.
There are concerns that he may have sustained another hamstring injury, having already had surgery for a similar issue earlier this year - and now he could be out of action for several weeks.
Arteta commented: "For Bukayo to come off, for sure it looks like something that is significant," he said post-match. While he was running with the ball, carrying the ball, wrestling with the defender, he felt something in his hamstring. So let's see.
"I think it's the other one (hamstring). It's not the same one as the previous injury. But yeah, I mean, we've been two weeks and we already lost Kai, Martin and Bukayo.
"So it tells you how well-equipped you have to be in this league to manage and to maintain the level that we want."
Arsenal does have alternatives to cover for Odegaard and Saka should they not recover from their injuries immediately.
New signing Noni Madueke can step in for Saka on the right wing, while latest recruit Eberechi Eze could take over Odegaard's No 10 role.
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