Norway boss Stale Solbakken revealed he is “angry and upset” after losing captain Martin Odegaard for his side’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Israel. The Arsenal skipper suffered an MCL injury on Saturday after clashing knees with West Ham attacker Crysencio Summerville.
Both Arsenal and Norway confirmed in independent statements released on Sunday that Odegaard would be staying behind in London for treatment during the international break. Now Solbakken has opened up on the blow during an honest press conference.
He said while also referencing a phone call with Odegaard on Sunday evening: “We have to tweak some plans, and we have done that before. The last time Martin was out, we played a little differently based on who the opponent was. It is clear that the plan we had made will be different.
“We lose our spokesman, and we have to live with that. Of course you get angry and upset and those kinds of feelings, but then you quickly get into a mode where you have to think constructively.
“Of course, he is very sorry, too. It is the third time in a short time, and it is hard for him and hard for Arsenal.”
Odegaard has now missed six of the last 18 international matches through injury.
He also claimed an unwanted record last weekend by becoming the first player in Premier League history to be subbed off in three consecutive matches before half-time.
It’s understood that Odegaard is expected to miss weeks as opposed to months, although Arsenal are currently reluctant to put a timeframe on the player’s return.
The 26-year-old has had wretched luck with injuries since the beginning of the campaign having only recently shaken off a shoulder problem.
Erling Haaland will now captain Norway in Odegaard’s absence and they can take another giant leap towards the 2026 World Cup with victory over Israel in Oslo on Saturday evening.
The Manchester City striker has also shared his disappointment after learning of the Arsenal skipper’s injury, telling Viaplay: “It’s a shame and it’s not good for us.
“We need him, so I hope it’s not serious. I haven’t spoken to him, but it didn’t look good. We’re going to miss our captain, it’s tough. We just have to do the best we can without Martin.
“It won’t be easy, as he is a big part of our game – but we have to do what we can without him – and I will do what I can to do that.”
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