2 hours ago
3
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard still sidelined with a knee injury sustained earlier in the season but that hasn't stopped him from supporting his Norway teammates
Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard was in the thick of Norway's celebrations on Thursday night as they closed in on securing a World Cup place for the first time in more than two decades.
The 26-year-old is currently sidelined with a knee injury sustained prior to the October international break in Arsenal 's 2-0 Premier League win over West Ham. He missed Norway's qualifier against Israel last month and remained out for their 4-1 win over Estonia on Thursday, which put them on the brink of qualification.
Erling Haaland and Alexander Sorloth scored twice each in the emphatic win in Oslo to keep Norway comfortably top of Group I with one game left to play against Italy on Sunday. The Italians, who sit three points behind, would need to beat Norway and overturn a staggering 17-goal difference to snatch the automatic qualification spot this weekend.
Unsurprisingly, celebrations ensued in the Norway dressing room after the victory over Estonia, with next summer's World Cup firmly within reach. Norway have only competed in football's biggest competition three times in their history, with their most recent appearance coming in 1998, when they reached the round of 16.
Odegaard, despite his injury, was in the thick of the celebrations with his team-mates post-match. In a clip shared on social media, the Arsenal captain can be seen dressed in casual clothing as they danced to blaring music, with Manchester City' s Haaland also leading the party.
It was reported by football.london this week that Odegaard turned down the option of a few days’ holiday during the international break in favour of joining up with his national side, despite the fact he wouldn’t be able to play. His determination to support his team-mates during what could prove an historic week for his country was understood to be the driving factor behind his decision.
Norway head coach Stale Solbakken addressed the fitness of his captain earlier this week, telling a press conference: “It is steady. It is going in a steady direction, but he is some distance away.”
While Odegaard continues his recovery, it is not yet clear when Mikel Arteta will have the midfielder available for selection again. However, with a busy winter period looming and crucial fixtures in the Premier League, Champions League and League Cup, the Arsenal boss will hope to have him back sooner rather than later.
The Gunners will face bitter rivals Tottenham at the Emirates Stadium once the international break has concluded. They then face a tricky European tie against Bayern Munich before travelling to take on Chelsea in the league before the end of the month.
English (US) ·