In order to give Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta a timely fitness boost, Martin Odegaard is speeding up his recuperation from an ankle injury.
Jurrien Timber and Gabriel Magalhaes, who hobbled off during Sunday’s stalemate against Liverpool, are also hoped to avoid becoming long-term absences.
Since injuring his ankle ligaments while playing for Norway in September, Gunners captain Odegaard has been absent.
However, the crucial midfield player is making great progress toward fitness as the 25-year-old is expected to resume grass-field training this week.
However, it’s unclear when Arteta will decide Odegaard is ready for selection.
Martin Odegaard is accelerating his recovery from an ankle injury in a boost for Arsenal
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to have Arsenal captain Odegaard available again
He has been out since damaging ankle ligaments when playing for Norway in September
If Odegaard plays before the next international break – which commences after the away clash at Chelsea on November 10 – then Norway will be within their rights to call up the former Real Madrid star for their matches against Slovenia and Kazakhstan.
Indeed, Norway manager Stale Solbakken said this week that he ‘hopes’ Odegaard is ready to be available for the their November fixtures.
There will be apprehension at Arsenal about Odegaard reporting for international duty so soon after his return to match fitness.
But with tough fixtures against Newcastle, Inter Milan and Chelsea on the horizon, Odegaard’s availability would certainly arrive as a major boost ahead of a difficult run of fixtures.
There will be concern at Odegaard reporting for international duty so soon after his return
Arsenal don’t expect key defender Gabriel (middle on floor) to be a long-term injury absentee
Elsewhere, Magalhaes is being assessed after a taking a knock to the knee in the 2-2 draw versus Liverpool.
Early indications are that the Brazil international will not be a long-term casualty but will have a definitive scan on Tuesday to confirm the extent of the injury.
Meanwhile, Timber complained of calf tightness after the game amid hope the Dutchman may have been suffering a bout of cramp given the game against Arne Slot’s team was the defender’s first outing in just under a month due to muscular problem.
Arsenal are yet to confirm the extent of the knee injury suffered by Ricardo Calafiori in last week’s win over Shakhtar Donetsk, though it is understood he will miss weeks rather months.