Odegaard makes 1st start after injury with Norway | OneFootball

Martin Odegaard played 45 minutes for Norway on Thursday, but there’s no concern about his injury situation despite his half-time substitution.

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Martin Odegaard has seen his start to the 2025/26 campaign disrupted by injury, with the midfielder picking up a shoulder problem in Arsenal’s second game against Leeds United.

After initially trying to play on, Odegaard was withdrawn in the first half of that match, and he was only used as a substitute against Liverpool.

But there were positive signs on Thursday, as Norway boss Stale Solbakken deemed Odegaard fit to start for his country in a friendly match against Finland.

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Odegaard performed well in the friendly, helping the team to a 1-0 first-half lead. Though he was then withdrawn at the break, there was no concern that the substitution was injury-related.

Erling Haaland, Sander Berge, and Felix Horn Myhre were all withdrawn at the same time, and Finland made three half-time changes as well.

It seems all the substitutions were just about preserving players for the competitive fixtures, with Norway facing Moldova in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, September 9th.

Norway are in a good position in their group, topping the standings with four wins in their first four games. Another victory over Moldova would ensure they remain top at the end of the break.

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Odegaard’s inclusion against Finland was likely intended to help get him ready for a more intense match next week. If he comes through the qualifier without any problems, it will be good news for Arsenal as they return to Premier League action next weekend.