BEVERLY HILLS, March 25, (THEWILL) – Ace Norwegian attacking midfielder and national team captain Martin Ødegaard, who is on loan at the English Premier League north London club Arsenal from Spanish league champions Real Madrid, gave the management and fans of his current side a scare on Wednesday when he was substituted off over an injury concern.
However, just as fears were beginning to grow over the condition of the midfielder and his exact injury worries, Ødegaard himself moved to allay these fears by saying it was nothing too serious and that he was already looking forward to lacing his boots for Norway on Saturday, in their next fixture.
The 22-year-old has been a revelation at the Emirates for the Gunners with the ease with which he blended into the team’s pattern of play and has already started commanding a regular starting place in the first team squad. His impressive command of the movement upfield from the middle of the park has been complimented by goal-scoring and assists.
But, an ankle injury made it a disappointing night for Ødegaard on Wednesday, in his debut as captain of the Norwegian team. Patrick Berg, defensive midfielder for Turkish Super Lig club Galatasaray, was introduced in Ødegaard’s place as Norway went on to defeat Gibraltar 3-nil.
Stale Solbakken, the head coach of the Norwegian national team was upbeat about the knock to Ødegaard and referred to it in his post-match remarks: “It is not a serious injury. I have big hopes that Martin will be fit for the game against Turkey on Saturday.”
Soon after these positive words from his coach, Odegaard confirmed it saying: “I twisted my ankle, but I think I will be fit for the game against Turkey Saturday.”
After that game, Norway will next contend against Montenegro on Tuesday, March 30 before Odegaard returns to Arsenal to continue with his remarkable loan progress.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
