Martin Odegaard's return to Arsenal is now 'within reach' as Norway boss Stale Solbakken gives new update on attacking midfielder
10:59, 24 Mar 2026
Martin Odegaard is closing in on a return for Arsenal
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Martin Odegaard is closing in on a return for Arsenal(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard is targeting a return for Arsenal against Southampton in the FA Cup, football.london understands. The club have been very cautious with the latest rehabilitation of their captain, who aggravated a knee issue in the North London Derby first sustained against Brentford.
There was some hope that the Norwegian might have made the squad for the cup final; however, the decision was made to prioritise ensuring that Odegaard returns in the best possible way to contribute as much as possible in the run-in after the international break.
Stale Solbakken, the Norwegian manager, was asked about the potential return of Odegaard. He said: “Now it’s three weeks until Arsenal play again. Or 2.5 weeks."
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“I think it could be a goal for Martin to be in a squad then. It’s within reach,” he added.
“There is no reason for him to travel now. He has to train. If he wants to use a day off to come here, he is welcome to do so. But it is not something that has been planned.”
football.london understands that Odegaard has been working exceptionally hard behind the scenes in order to return to full fitness. The club captain has been following a strict regime which he hopes will see him back involved in both the Gunners’ run-in across three competitions but also then be ready for a first World Cup showing.
Odegaard made the decision to join up with his international teammates in November when Solbakken’s side qualified for the summer tournament. football.london reported at the time the player had turned down the chance of a break to instead be with his teammates as they fought to qualify.
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Despite the noise around the player’s role as captain, he has maintained the full backing of Mikel Arteta and his teammates, who both hope for his imminent return. He will join Gabriel, Eberechi Eze, Leandro Trossard, William Saliba and Jurrien Timber at the training ground this fortnight, after the quintet all pulled out of their respective national sides.
Odegaard’s creativity and passing have been a big miss for the Gunners, who have dropped six points across three matches this season where their captain has not been available. Missing Eze too in the cup final contributed hugely to the lack of control and technical ability in the side that were outclassed by Manchester City.
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