Arsenal have adapted relatively well to Martin Ødegaard’s injury absence, but haven’t quite looked at their flowing best.
They have had to rely on a pragmatic approach to win games, evidenced by their 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
It wasn’t the prettiest of performances but it did a job and that is how things have been for Arsenal without Ødegaard.
Norway boss Stale Solbakken has now spoken to VG about the playmaker, revealing that things are going to plan for the Arsenal star and return to fitness.
“Everything indicates that things are going according to plan, so it’s about the last steps when you have to train with opponents and in team training.
“It depends on how he responds to that, but we have a legitimate hope that he is ready.”
The newspaper also states Ødegaard could be available for selection in the upcoming international break, with Solbakken disclosing that he has been in touch with the midfielder a lot.
“I have spoken to him quite regularly. Now that things are starting to move forward, it’s easier, but it’s no fun being injured.
“At the same time, he has been injured very little, so it is probably a matter of training for him.”
The last time Ødegaard played for Arteta’s side was back in August and since then, the Gunners have endured some struggles in games against Leicester City, Southampton and Bournemouth. They also failed to convince against Atalanta in the Champions League.
The Norwegian’s return will make them a more potent attacking side and the same would apply for his national side, who lost 5-1 to Austria in the Nations League recently.
