Gunners skipper will not play in crucial Nations League double-header as he looks to return to full fitness after ankle injury

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has decided to withdraw from Norway’s national team ahead of their UEFA Nations League matches this month.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard will not play for Norway in its upcoming Nations League matches so he can continue his rehabilitation after two months out injured.

The Gunners captain made his first start on Sunday since August after recovering from injury but has pulled out of international duty

Martin Odegaard will not play for Norway during the international break after pulling out of his nation’s squad despite now being fit and the Arsenal captain has now explained the decision

Norway have confirmed that Martin Odegaard will return to Arsenal during the international break to continue rehabilitation on his ankle injury. Odegaard injured his ankle ligaments during the September international break and returned from an eight-week absence as a late substitute in Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Inter in the Champions League last Wednesday.

"I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape. "The hope has always been to be able to play the national matches and if I hadn't played on Sunday, it would have been out of the question to participate anyway.

Arsenal suffered in the absence of Martin Odegaard during his injury. His return to the field against Chelsea showcased exactly what the Gunners had been missing with his assist for Gabriel Martinelli providing tangible evidence.