Martin Odegaard: Arsenal FC star’s ankle injury is ‘not serious’, says Norway coach Stale Solbakken

Arsenal have been left breathing a huge sigh of relief after it was confirmed that the injury suffered by Martin Odegaard while on international duty is not serious.

Gunners fans were left concerned on Wednesday night after the in-form Real Madrid loanee appeared to painfully roll his ankle before being substituted at half-time of Norway’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win against Gibraltar.

The absence of Odegaard for any extended period of time would have come as a sizable blow to Arsenal, with the 22-year-old having grown in influence since moving to north London in January and played a critical role in Sunday’s comeback draw against London rivals West Ham, afterwards attracting effusive praise from manager Mikel Arteta.

But not only does it seem that Odegaard is now unlikely to miss key upcoming games against Liverpool and Europa League quarter-final opponents Slavia Prague, but Norway boss Stale Solbakken is even optimistic that the player – who wore the captain’s armband against Gibraltar – could be fit for Saturday’s Group G clash with Turkey, which was moved from Oslo to Malaga in Spain due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.

“It is not a serious injury,” former Wolves manager Solbakken said. “I have big hopes that Martin will be fit for the game against Turkey on Saturday.”

According to The Mirror, Odegaard himself brushed off any injury fears and also expects to play against Turkey.

“I twisted my ankle, but I think I will be fit for the game on Saturday,” he said.