Arsenal star Martin Odegaard issues update on fitness amid Mikel Arteta injury boost

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has issued an update on his fitness after withdrawing from international duty with Norway. The 25-year-old, who had missed two months of action with an ankle problem, returned for Arsenal's trip to Inter Milan last Wednesday before starting the 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Sunday.

Norway boss Stale Solbakken called up the midfielder for this month's international break on Monday despite being back for just two fixtures. However, a day later, Odegaard dropped out of the national team squad after consulting with the manager and medical staff. Norway face Slovenia and Kazakhstan in two Nations League fixtures.

It's understood that Odegaard has had just two training sessions since returning to fitness and has now taken the decision to remain at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, handing Arsenal a boost.

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Outlining why he decided to turn down the opportunity to represent Norway, Odegaard told TV2: "I got through the match at the weekend, but it was a rather abrupt transition from the last nine weeks."

When specifically asked if he's injured now, Odegaard explained: "In this kind of process, you don’t just go from being injured to suddenly being completely healthy.

"You tend to have a reaction to what happens, and then it’s about how you react to it. Together with the NFF's medical team, we've looked at it and agreed that it’s better for me to go back and make a full recovery."

Odegaard has made it clear there was no pressure from Mikel Arteta or Solbakken to withdraw from playing for Norway, and revealed it was his decision. "No, we have had an open and nice discussion," he continued.

"I have been talking to Stale ever since I was injured, and of course more intensively in recent weeks. Both have had a great desire to make it happen, and that is also the reason why I am in Norway. This is not about what Arsenal has said, or what Stale has said. It's about what my situation is.

"Yes [it's my choice], but in consultation with the medical team here [in Norway]. This is something we agree on, but ultimately it is me who has made the choice based on what I know the body needs."

After the international break, Arsenal face Nottingham Forest at the Emirates on Saturday, November 23. Asked if he could feature in that game, Odegaard responded: "Of course I hope so. I'm going back now and will have further follow-up, and then we'll see until next week when it picks up again."