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Nations League: Injury forces Odegaard to withdraw from Norway squad

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Norway and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has emphasized the importance of “listening to his body” after deciding to withdraw from Norway’s squad for this week’s Nations League matches.

The midfielder sustained ankle ligament damage during September’s international break, sidelining him for seven weeks. He made his comeback during Arsenal’s narrow 1-0 Champions League loss to Inter Milan last week, followed by a full 90-minute appearance in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea.

Originally omitted from Norway’s squad for the upcoming games against Slovenia on 14 November and Kazakhstan on 17 November, Odegaard traveled to Oslo to undergo a medical assessment before the final decision was made.

“After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately come to the conclusion that the situation is not good enough to play these games,” Odegaard said.

“I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practiced football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100% yet. I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape.”

Odegaard was sidelined for 12 Arsenal games after suffering an injury in September.

So far this season, he has featured in five matches across all competitions for the Gunners.

Norway currently leads their Nations League group, holding seven points from four matches.

With 61 caps for his country, Odegaard was appointed Norway’s national team captain in 2021.

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