Arsenal captain Odegaard is ‘some distance away’ from a return

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is « some distance away » from a return to action, according to Norway coach Stahl Solbakken.

Odegaard has not played since suffering from knee ligament damage in Arsenal’s win over West Ham on 4 October.

It is hoped he will be able to return for the North London derby on November 23, but Solbakken’s words about Odegaard’s recovery cast doubt on that possibility.

The Arsenal captain is making steady progress

Odegaard has joined Norway in a player capacity as they aim to secure a place in the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.

« It’s steady, » Solbacken said when asked about Odegaard’s recovery. « Going in a steady direction, but he’s some distance away. »

Odegaard will continue his rehabilitation with Norway, who will qualify for the World Cup if they beat Estonia on Thursday, before traveling to face Italy in their final qualifier on Sunday.

« He will fly (to Oslo) after his rehabilitation on Thursday, » Solbacken added. « Then he will continue his rehabilitation with us and he will be with us from Thursday afternoon. I don’t know when the flight leaves. But he will be with us until Milan. »