Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed hope that the upcoming international break will provide his team with an opportunity to regroup, after a series of setbacks due to injuries. The Spaniard’s frustration is palpable, as several key players have been sidelined in recent weeks, with Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice the latest to join the growing injury list. Both players picked up knocks during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea on Sunday, which left Arteta visibly displeased with his squad. The injuries, coupled with the result, have put additional pressure on the team during a critical period of the season.
Saka and Rice’s injuries are significant blows for Arteta, who already had to contend with other fitness issues within the squad. With key players unavailable, Arteta is understandably keen for the break to serve as a time to reassess and plan for the games ahead, hoping it will allow some of the injured players to recover and help restore some stability to the team.
In other news, Arsenal’s captain Martin Ødegaard, who made his first start since early September in the Chelsea match, is set to link up with the Norwegian national team for their upcoming fixtures against Slovenia and Kazakhstan. Ødegaard’s return to action has been eagerly anticipated, given his importance to Arsenal’s midfield, but his inclusion in Norway’s squad remains uncertain. Arteta has been cautious in his comments regarding Ødegaard’s fitness, suggesting that the player’s condition will need to be closely monitored before making a decision on his participation in the international fixtures.
Norway manager Ståle Solbakken, however, has expressed a desire to include Ødegaard in his squad, despite the midfielder’s recent injury issues. Speaking to VG, Solbakken said, “We’ll see how it turns out. The ankle, the medics, and Martin decide this.” This suggests that Ødegaard’s participation will depend on medical evaluations and his own assessment of his fitness levels, with the final decision likely to be made in conjunction with Arsenal’s medical team.
In sum, Arteta and his staff are looking to use the international break to help key players recover and to address the ongoing injury problems that have disrupted their season. While the situation remains fluid for players like Ødegaard, the focus is on ensuring that the team is in the best possible shape when domestic action resumes.