Norway manager Ståle Solbakken has confirmed that Martin Ødegaard is fit and available to represent his country during the international break. The midfielder had sustained a knock prior to Arsenal’s match against Liverpool, a fixture in which he was named on the bench. He eventually came on to feature in the game, though his side were defeated 1-0 by the Reds.
Ødegaard’s fitness and recent involvement
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Debate has continued regarding the midfielder’s condition, with many observers suggesting he could have started the match at Anfield if he had been fully fit. Arsenal remain one of the strongest clubs in the country, with sufficient depth in their squad to avoid risking a player who is not yet at peak fitness. For that reason, the decision to introduce him later in the match rather than from the outset was considered a precautionary measure.
Following that appearance, Ødegaard has made himself available for international duty. He has been one of the central figures for Norway in recent World Cup qualifiers, contributing significantly to their performances. With the national side aiming to secure an early qualification, the presence of their most influential players has become crucial. Should Norway continue their positive run, they stand a strong chance of being among the first nations to confirm their place in the tournament.
Solbakken’s reassurance ahead of qualifiers
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As supporters speculated on whether Ødegaard would feature against Finland and Moldova, Solbakken provided clarity. Speaking via [TV2](https://www.tv2.no/sport/solbakken-bekrefter-odegaard-klar-til-dyst/18053938/), the Norway manager stated, “Ødegaard is playing against Moldova. You don’t need to worry about that.” His words offered reassurance to fans eager to see the midfielder continue his role as a creative force within the team.
With his availability confirmed, attention now turns to how Ødegaard can influence the upcoming fixtures. Norway will be looking for both leadership and technical quality, particularly his ability to dictate play and create opportunities in advanced areas. His vision and passing range have already proven vital in previous qualifiers, and expectations remain high that he will deliver further contributions as the campaign progresses.
The priority for both club and country will be to manage his workload responsibly while maximising his impact on the pitch. Should he remain fit and effective, Ødegaard is expected to play a decisive part in Norway’s pursuit of a place at the next World Cup.