Norway manager Stale Solbakken has provided an injury boost on Martin Odegaard ahead of Arsenal’s next Premier League game against Brentford on the road.
The Gunners captain has been out with an unnamed injury over recent weeks. He last featured in the Carabao Cup fourth round loss to West Ham United where he was a late substitute.
Speaking to Eurosport, Solbakken has now revealed that the playmaker could be available for the Gunners when they face the Bees away from home this month.
The Norway head coach confirmed that he spoke with Odegaard for 45 minutes and he is getting ‘better and better’. It is anticipated that he will be in contention for the derby.
He said: “Now I’m coming from a three-quarter hour talk with Martin.”
“He is getting better and better, and then he gradually steps up.
“It has been more or less three weeks without any special training, so it is important to take it step by step.
“So both he and Arsenal probably hope that he is available for the Brentford match.”
Odegaard’s return would be a huge boost for Arsenal
The Gunners captain has not been at his scintillating best this season, but he has still impressed with five goals and one assist from 15 appearances across all competitions.
He is the club’s best creative player from the number 10 role and has been sorely missed in recent games. Kai Havertz has made no contribution from the position in his absence.
Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe are the other alternatives in the squad, but both are unavailable at the moment. Vieira will miss three domestic games after his sending off versus Burnley.
Smith Rowe, on the other hand, has been ruled out with a knee injury. Hence, Arsenal will be hoping that Odegaard is back in the starting line-up when they travel to west London.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
