Arsenal star ill ahead of World Cup quarter-final showdown | OneFootball

The Norway captain’s fitness is unclear after illness spread through the camp ahead.

Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Martin Odegaard has become the latest member of Norway’s World Cup camp to come down with a cold-like virus before Saturday’s match against England.

Odegaard has fallen ill while sickness runs through the Norway camp, although his uncle, the national team physio Thomas Odegaard, has reportedly suffered most from the symptoms.

Another member of the training staff has also been ill, while right back Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, who missed the win over Brazil because of the illness, is back in training.

At the time of writing, it is not clear whether Odegaard will be fit to play this weekend.

Norway face England on 11 July, with kick-off at 10pm in the UK.

Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Ahead of the game, Odegaard was asked whether he had been speaking to his Arsenal team-mates in the England camp while they’ve all been at the World Cup.

“I’ve spoken to a few of them a bit during the tournament, but obviously we know the quality they have,” he said.

“I know them really well. Outstanding, world-class players, playing for one of the best national teams in the world.

“So it’s going to be a big test for us. Brazil was the same. We were the underdogs, and as you saw, anything can happen in football. We’re going to give it a good try and see what we can do, and we’re looking forward to it.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

“He [Rice] has been outstanding for a long time. Playing with him, you can see all the qualities and it’s such a pleasure to share the field with him What he’s been doing for such a long time, it’s just unbelievable. I’m looking forward to the challenge and to see them all.

“He is someone who always gives everything for the team, always fighting for every single ball, bringing his energy to the pitch, to the team, driving the team forward, and he can do so many things on the pitch,” Odegaard added.

“He can defend, he can attack, he can be physical, he can be good on the ball, so he’s a very complete player. It’s going to be a good test for all of us.

“And it’s not just about Declan, the whole England team is unbelievable players. We’re looking forward to it and hopefully we can make even more history.”

For Norway head coach Stale Solbakken, then spoke about Odegaard, saying that the midfielder carries more weight on his shoulders at Arsenal.

“I don’t think that’s very different. I think that both Arsenal and [manager Mikel] Arteta use him in the same way as we do. When do we pressurise in 4-1-4-1? When do we go higher for 4-4-2?” said Solbakken, 58.

“He is one of the main men, as a captain and as our leader, he leads the line in the defence like he does in the Premier League. He has, perhaps, a little bit more of a free role in our team.”

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images