Odegaards Knee Recovery Steady, Weeks from Return

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard remains sidelined by a knee ligament injury sustained during his team's 2-0 victory over West Ham United on October 4, casting uncertainty over his availability for the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on November 23. The 26-year-old midfielder, who has not played in over a month, is currently in Norway supporting the national team during their World Cup qualifying campaign, though he is several weeks away from full recovery.

Norway coach Stale Solbakken provided the latest update on Odegaard's rehabilitation during the team's preparations for crucial matches against Estonia on Thursday and Italy on Sunday. "It is steady," Solbakken said. "It is going in a steady direction but he is some distance away." Odegaard joined the squad in a non-playing capacity, continuing his treatment alongside the national medical staff. He arrived in Oslo after initial rehabilitation sessions and plans to remain with the team through their trip to Milan for the Italy fixture. His presence underscores his commitment to Norway's push for a first World Cup appearance since 1998, a milestone he has publicly championed.