Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has described his captain Martin Ødegaard as “grumpy” after confirming the midfielder will miss the March international window
Martin Ødegaard‘s stop-start season has hit another roadblock, with a recurring knee injury preventing him from joining the Norwegian squad for their upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Switzerland.
The Arsenal captain has not featured for his country since a dominant 11-1 victory over Moldova in September 2025, subsequently missing crucial World Cup qualifiers against Israel, Estonia, and Italy.
While Norway successfully secured their place in the 2026 World Cup during his absence, head coach Ståle Solbakken admitted the prolonged spell on the sidelines has taken a significant toll on the 27-year-old’s morale.
“Martin is very frustrated and grumpy,” Solbakken revealed during a press conference on Tuesday, March 24. “He has not been involved since we beat Moldova. It is clear that it hurts.
“There is no reason for him to travel now for our upcoming friendlies. He has to train. If he wants to use a day off to come here, he is welcome to do so, but it is not something that has been planned.”
Martin Ødegaard expected return date
With Norway already qualified for this summer’s showpiece in North America, Arsenal has used the international break as a natural reset period for their talisman.
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Ødegaard is not alone at the club’s training ground; he is part of a significant group of first-team players who have remained in London to manage various physical issues. This group includes defensive mainstays William Saliba and Gabriel, as well as Jurriën Timber and Leandro Trossard.
The cautious approach from both club and country is aimed at ensuring Ødegaard is fully fit for a tough season finale.
Arsenal currently sits nine points clear at the top of the Premier League and has a Champions League quarter-final against Sporting CP on the horizon.
Solbakken suggested that a return to the matchday squad for Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-final against Southampton on April 4 is “within reach,” provided his rehabilitation stays on track over the next fortnight.
“Now it’s three weeks until Arsenal play again, or 2.5 weeks,” Solbakken noted. “I think it could be a goal for Martin to be in a squad then.”
Mikel Arteta will now hope that this extended period of targeted training will finally resolve the knee and shoulder problems that have restricted the Norwegian to just 13 league starts this campaign.
As the Gunners look to bounce back from their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, the return of a refreshed and healthy captain remains the highest priority for the North London side.
