Martin Odegaard shares emotional statement as Arsenal sweat on injury ahead of Tottenham clash

Martin Odegaard has posted a message after Norway qualified for the World Cup, with the Arsenal captain still on the sidelines due to a knee injury, and the Tottenham showdown in fast approaching

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard issued an emotional message after Norway clinched their place in next summer's World Cup.

Odegaard is currently on the sidelines with a knee injury, but that has not stopped the midfielder from supporting his compatriots. Norway secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup after beating Estonia and Italy during their latest round of qualifiers.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored a brace in each fixture, with the latest game ending 4-1 in favour of Stale Solbakken's side at the San Siro.

Odegaard has been recovering from his knee problem, which has forced the Arsenal captain to miss the Gunners' last seven matches.

Despite not being available for Arsenal or his country in recent weeks, Odegaard was still part of the celebrations as Norway clinched their place at the World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Odegaard was alongside his team-mates on Monday as they were welcomed back to Oslo, with a crowd of 50,000 fans celebrating the country qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The Arsenal captain has now issued an emotional message on social media to Norway fans. "We've been dreaming of moments like this since we were little kids," wrote Odegaard on Instagram to his 7million followers.

"We have been working so hard. We have failed and failed... But we never gave up. Never lose faith, hope or unity.

"This group has stood together through the toughest days and moments, and therefore it feels even better to be where we are today.

"Proud to be a part of this crew. Proud to play for Norway. Proud to be Norwegian. Proud to represent Norway in the World Cup!! Dreams can really come true if you work hard and believe enough.

"To all the children and young adults out there: We were all once like you. So dream big and work hard, and everything is possible!

"Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us yesterday [Monday] and thank you for all the love we have received the past few days! It means more than you know. Let's enjoy the moment, but we won't stop here..."

Odegaard will now return to London Colney and will be targeting a return to the Arsenal matchday squad as soon as possible, with a clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League to come this weekend.

On Monday, Odegaard provided a positive update, suggesting that he'll be back 'soon'. "It's moving forward," the Norwegian told TV2.

"The match today came a little too early… But it's starting to look better, so hopefully I'll be back soon."