Norway drop Martin Odegaard injury hint ahead of Arsenal's trip to Liverpool

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Martin Odegaard has been given hope of returning to full fitness after being included in the Norway squad(Image: Visionhaus)

Arsenal have been given a potential boost over Martin Odegaard's fitness after he was called up by the Norway team for the next international break.

The Gunners were given a scare during their 5-0 win over Leeds United on the weekend after Martin Odegaard went down with a shoulder issue following a challenge and he was unable to shrug it off.

Unwilling to take a risk on his star playmaker, Mikel Arteta opted to withdraw Odegaard from the action in the 38th minute, with Ethan Nwaneri taking his place.

Speaking after the game, Arteta said he was unsure about the extent of the injury and said he needed more tests first.

The Spaniard will be desperate to have Odegaard back as soon as possible as he prepares for a crucial title clash at Liverpool on Sunday.

"So Martin felt something in his shoulder when he landed," he said.

We’ll have to scan him tomorrow and understand a bit better."

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The Norway team have dropped a hint on his current condition, however, after announcing he is part of the squad for their batch of upcoming fixtures in September.

Norway will play a friendly against Scandinavian neighbours Finland on September 4 before hosting Moldova in a World Cup qualifier on September 9.

Odegaard is Norway's captain and talisman so they will be desperate to involve him, though his selection does not guarantee he has overcome his injury worry.

Bukayo Saka is another injury worry for Arsenal on top of Odegaard after both players were subbed off against Leeds

It is the second injury concern from the Leeds game after Bukayo Saka also came off during the game.

There are fears he has suffered another hamstring blow, having already undergone surgery for a similar problem earlier this year - and he is now facing weeks on the sideline.

Arteta said: "For Bukayo to come off, for sure it looks like something that is significant," he said after the game.

So it tells you how well-equipped you have to be in this league to manage and to maintain the level that we want."

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Arsenal do have options to cover for Odegaard and Saka in the event they do not immediately recover from their respective injuries.

New signing Noni Madueke can deputise for Saka on the right wing, while latest recruit Eberechi Eze could fill in for Odegaard in the No 10 position.

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