Odegaard's 2025-26 campaign has been disrupted by a series of injuries, beginning with two shoulder problems before a serious knee issue sidelined him in October. The midfielder sustained the setback during Arsenal's 2–0 win over West Ham following a collision with Crysencio Summerville, and he has not featured since.
While reports earlier this week suggested Odegaard could return for Arsenal after the international break, Solbakken has moved to temper expectations. The Norway boss confirmed that the 26-year-old has joined up with the national squad in Oslo but emphasised that his participation will be limited to rehabilitation work.
"It is steady," Solbakken said when asked about Odegaard's progress. "It is going in a steady direction, but he is some distance away. He will fly in after his rehab on Thursday and will continue his work with us until we travel to Milan."
Odegaard will remain with Norway's medical team for continued recovery and to offer support to his teammates during their crucial World Cup qualifiers. Norway could secure qualification for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with a victory over Estonia on Thursday, provided Italy drop points against Moldova. If not, the decisive clash will come against Italy at San Siro on Sunday, November 16.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has previously said that Odegaard, along with Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, was "not far off" from returning. However, the latest comments from Solbakken suggest that the midfielder is unlikely to feature in the North London Derby against Tottenham on November 23.
The Gunners are expected to continue managing Odegaard's recovery cautiously, with hopes that their captain can return to full fitness ahead of the demanding Christmas fixture schedule.
