Last week, Martin Ødegaard returned to action in Arsenal’s Champions League defeat to Inter Milan, after being on the sidelines for two months. He played the full 90 minutes in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday.
On Monday, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken called up the midfielder for this month’s international break. A day later, he withdrew from the national team squad, after consulting with the manager and the medical staff.
The Arsenal star had a detailed chat with TV2 to explain why he decided to return to the Emirates to focus on his rehabilitation.
Ødegaard suffered an injury while in action for Norway in September. The outlet states he had two training sessions with the north London club since regaining full fitness.
“I got through the match at the weekend, but it was a rather abrupt transition from the last nine weeks,” he said.
“You tend to have a reaction to what happens, and then it’s about how you react to it. Together with the NFF’s medical team, we’ve looked at it and agreed that it’s better for me to go back and make a full recovery.”
The Norway international has made it clear there has been no pressure on him from Mikel Arteta’s side. He also insisted he made the decision to not get involved with the national team this month.
“No, we have had an open and nice discussion. I have been talking to Ståle ever since I was injured, and of course more intensively in recent weeks. Both have had a great desire to make it happen, and that is also the reason why I am in Norway. This is not about what Arsenal has said, or what Ståle has said. It’s about what my situation is,” he added.
“Yes [it’s my choice], but in consultation with the medical team here [in Norway]. This is something we agree on, but ultimately it is me who has made the choice based on what I know the body needs.”
After the international break, Arsenal will host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on November 23rd.
TV2 asked Ødegaard if he could feature against Nuno Espírito Santo’s side. Responding to that, he said: “Of course I hope so. I’m going back now and will have further follow-up, and then we’ll see until next week when it picks up again.”
