Norway's Odegaard Sidelined: Ankle Injury Delays Return

Norway's captain Martin Odegaard will miss upcoming Nations League matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan. The Arsenal midfielder is recovering from an ankle injury and requires additional time to regain full match fitness. Odegaard returned to play briefly against Inter Milan and participated in Arsenal's recent draw with Chelsea.

Norway will face Slovenia and Kazakhstan in the Nations League without their captain, Martin Odegaard, who needs more time to fully recover from an ankle injury. The Arsenal midfielder had been sidelined for two months before returning to brief action in a Champions League clash against Inter Milan.

Following his late substitution in that match, Odegaard completed a full 90 minutes in Arsenal's 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League. According to Norway's national team doctor, Ola Sand, the 25-year-old's injury was complex, leading to his current lack of full match fitness.

Discussions between Norway's medical team and Odegaard concluded that he is not ready to face Slovenia and Kazakhstan. As a precaution, Odegaard will return to London to continue his rehabilitation with Arsenal. Despite his absence, Norway leads Group B3, tied on points with Austria and Slovenia.

(With inputs from agencies.)