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Martin Odegaard maintains the shoulder problem he picked up last month is now "under control" and dismissed any suggestions of a rift between Arsenal and Norway following his international call-up.
The Gunners skipper, 26, was substituted during the 5-0 victory against Leeds after injuring his shoulder. He was considered fit enough to appear from the substitutes' bench the following weekend in the 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, but news that the influential midfielder would be turning out for Norway during the international window raised eyebrows amongst supporters.
Odegaard was absent for a considerable portion of last season after suffering an ankle problem during the September international break of the 2024-25 campaign. However, the former Real Madrid star has dismissed any ongoing concerns regarding his fitness ahead of Arsenal's return to Premier League duties this weekend at home to Nottingham Forest, reports the Mirror.
"It hurt a lot, but now I got it under control and I feel ready," Odegaard said about his injury in a Norway press conference.
"It was never an issue (any conflict of interest with Norway and Arsenal). I talk a lot with Stale Solbakken (Norway's manager). The club obviously wanted me for Liverpool, and my only job was to get ready."
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Odegaard featured from the start for Norway in their 1-0 triumph over Finland last week before being taken off at the interval, where Stale Solbakken made numerous alterations. Norway welcome Moldova in a World Cup Qualifier on Tuesday evening before the Premier League returns to the spotlight once more.
The Norwegian skipper also responded to comments made by Arsenal legend, Tony Adams, who suggested that Declan Rice should take over as captain. Adams had previously stated that the England star could 'actually take [Arsenal] to the next level'.
"I don't care that much, to be honest," Odegaard said. "Everyone can have their opinion and say what they want, and I'm all right with that. I can't care about what everyone says.
"There's a lot of negative and positive things to say, but I can't let it affect me. That's what I've thought throughout my career."
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