Featured Image Credit: Alamy / Antonio Pozo/pressinphoto/Sipa USA / Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley
Topics: Arsenal, Martin Odegaard, Norway, Rodri, Spain, Manchester City, Mikel Arteta, Injury
Ryan Smart
Topics: Arsenal, Martin Odegaard, Norway, Rodri, Spain, Manchester City, Mikel Arteta, Injury
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has reportedly been cleared of serious injury after a heavy tackle during an international match, in a major boost to Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners star was taken out in the penalty box by the Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who appeared to be fortunate to avoid punishment, during Norway's 3-0 defeat to Spain in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
Rodri launched into the challenge in an attempt to block Odegaard's shot, but the Norwegian got his effort away before his opponent connected with his ankle.
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Odegaard was furious afterwards over the tackle and the referee's decision not to award a spot kick.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet TV2, he fumed: "I'm pretty sure I should have had a penalty. He's coming with his studs right on my ankle.
"But I'm sure I'll get punished [if I say anymore]. I don't bother saying anything else about the referee. It's better not to say anything."
According to journalist Jan Aage Fjortoft, Odegaard is fit to face Georgia in Norway's latest Euro 2024 qualifier, which takes place on Tuesday.
The report will come as a huge relief to Arsenal, with the 24-year-old the current club captain and one of their key players.
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He has scored 10 league goals this season - the best tally of his professional career at any level - and provided a further six assists to help Arsenal's title challenge.
Speaking in an interview with Norwegian outlet TV2 (quotes via Daily Mirror), Odegaard opened up on one Arteta trait that has helped Arsenal to the top of the league this season: "It has surprised me, actually, how detailed he [Arteta] and the whole team are.
"I've never encountered anything like it, with people who see football that way and who see details as specifically as he does.
"It can be simple little things or more big things. It's extremely detailed and a lot of little things we talk about, watching video after every game and all that.
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"It's fun working with him and the team. It works."