![\"Martin](\"https:\/\/cdn.sportwitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Martin-Odegaard.jpg\")
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Martin \u00d8degaard\u2019s injury concerns are causing growing worry in Norway as he continues to struggle to get fit at Arsenal.<\/strong><\/p>\n Aftenposten<\/a> report on the situation today and comments from the likes of Kjetil Rekdal, current Aalesund coach and former national team captain.<\/p>\n Martin \u00d8degaard was missing for his country from this international break as he continues to battle back from a knee problem.<\/p>\n The 27-year-old has not played a full match for Arsenal since December 30th<\/sup>. 13 minutes against Tottenham on February 22nd<\/sup> was the last time he was on the pitch.<\/p>\n Questions are being asked about his situation. There are growing concerns that \u00d8degaard is now paying the price after starting his career so early. Rekdal is certainly concerned on that front.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course it is worrying,\u201d<\/em> he said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to remember that he played senior football when he was 15 years old. I am not saying that it does. But it could mean that the wear and tear is starting to take its toll on his body.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMaybe he does not have such a long career in his 30s and up, like others who started senior football later. It could be bad luck, but he has had a lot of breaks now.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cA player who is injured does not get to deliver anything at all. The most important thing is that he gets to train well before he plays matches again.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Kjetil Rekdal is now hoping that the midfielder prioritises playing for Norway at the World Cup this summer over Arsenal\u2019s Premier League title bid.<\/p>\n The Gunners are well on their way to a first title since 2004. They\u2019re also in the latter stages of the FA Cup and Champions League.<\/p>\n Martin \u00d8degaard has played a role in that, but Mikel Arteta\u2019s side have pushed on without him during his injury issues this season. Rekdal thinks that gives \u00d8degaard a chance to focus elsewhere.<\/p>\n \u201cArsenal seem to be heading towards a potential league title without Martin at the moment,<\/em>\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n \u201cNow he might be thinking a bit Norwegian and selfishly for our part. That he prioritises getting a few games at the end of the season and we get a rested \u00d8degaard in top form for the World Cup.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n While concerns are growing about the Arsenal midfielder outside the group, Norway manager St\u00e5le Solbakken is not worried about his captain.<\/p>\n \u201cI am confident in him,\u201d<\/em> he told TV 2 after the game.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is very much in the game now. He has less and less pain. Hopefully he plays one of the next Arsenal games, and then it will roll out on its own, Solbakken told TV 2 after the game.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cSo, I\u2019m not afraid of that, unless something new comes up. You never know, but it shouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Before the meeting began, VG asked about whether Martin \u00d8degaard\u2019s long career is having an effect. He played down those concerns.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, he has had a few slaps. The fact that he slept on a throw-in and was kicked in the stomach, I don\u2019t think has anything to do with him starting early,\u201d he insisted.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201c\u2019I\u2019m not worried about that. He is light in body and didn\u2019t play that many games at the start. He is desperate to play games and come to these meetings, but it is the World Cup that counts, not private international matches in March.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddf8 Victor Valdepe\u00f1as | Arsenal in mix for Real Madrid youngster<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcab Once seen as \u2018chosen one\u2019 of La Fabrica \u2014 Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 2, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \n <\/div>\nInternational absence<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Norway over Arsenal<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Norway play it down<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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\u27a1\ufe0f Next few weeks should bring clarity<\/a> #afc<\/a><\/p>\n