Arsenal handed Odegaard boost as Norway make big call after ankle scare

Martin Odegaard starts for Norway against Wales tonight, giving Arsenal an encouraging fitness update after his ankle injury scare.

Stale Solbakken has selected the Arsenal captain for the Nations League clash at Cardiff City Stadium, which kicks off at 7.45pm BST.

Odegaard’s availability had been uncertain following Bernardo Silva’s late challenge during Norway’s defeat to Portugal on Sunday.

Martin Odegaard starts after disrupted preparation

The midfielder missed Tuesday’s group training before taking part in a light session on Wednesday, according to Football.London’s update on his recovery.

His place in the starting XI follows the earlier inclusion in Norway’s matchday squad and provides a clearer indication of his readiness to play.

Read Arsenal previously covered the reassuring scan results after Odegaard’s ankle scare, with Norway assistant Brede Hangeland reporting positive progress.

Selection does not establish that the discomfort has completely disappeared, but Solbakken has deemed him ready to start.

Arsenal’s Leeds return approaches

For Mikel Arteta, the next important detail will be how Odegaard comes through the match and whether Norway report any reaction afterwards.

Norway also face Portugal on Sunday before the international break ends.

Arsenal resume their Premier League campaign at home to Leeds United on 10 October. Their next five fixtures then include Champions League meetings with Lille and Bayern Munich.

Having Odegaard available would give Arteta an important creative option for that demanding sequence. Tonight’s starting role is a positive step towards that outcome.