Good News for Arsenal: Martin Odegaard pulls out of Norway squad

The Norway captain injured ankle ligaments during September's international break, forcing him to miss seven weeks of action in Arsenal colours. 

Odegaard missed 12 Arsenal matches following his injury in September.

However, Gunners captain Martin Odegaard says he needs to "listen to his body" after withdrawing from his country's squad for this week's Nations League fixtures.

"After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately come to the conclusion that the situation is not good enough to play these games," said Odegaard, who has 61 caps.

"I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practiced football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100% yet. I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape."

Odegaard was initially left out of Norway's squad for matches against Slovenia on 14 November and Kazakhstan three days later but he travelled to Oslo to be assessed by the medical department.

The Gunners talisman made his return in Arsenal's 1-0 defeat by Inter Milan in the Champions League last week before playing the whole of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.

He has made five appearances for the Gunners in all competitions this season.