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

Martin Odegaard is hoping to be available for Arsenal after the international break, and he insists he wasn’t pressured to pull out of Norway’s fixtures this week. LONDON, ENGLAND: Marc Cucurella of Chelsea gets past Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 10,

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.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says he has “listened to my body” and returned to London after being ruled out of international duty for Norway.Odegaard started for the first time since August in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw after being sidelined by an ankle injury.

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.