Martin Ødegaard
ArsenalCM (RW)
Creative Playmaker
Dec 17, 1998 (27)
Left
5'10"
150 lb
Assists in loss to England
Odegaard assisted once to go with one shot (one on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to England.
Analysis: Odegaard was active in midfield, with his 80 accurate passes qualifying as the second highest figure on the team and one of them leading to Andreas Schjelderup's 36th-minute opener. The playmaker posted his fourth assist over five matches played in the international competition. While he won't be able to improve that tally, it was a solid World Cup campaign for him, with set-piece duties keeping him relevant for the Norwegian squad regardless of opposition. He'll now focus on club activity, looking to get some rest at the beginning of the preseason in hopes to avoid injuries and realize his potential as a key figure in Arsenal's midfield.
Lacks decisive touch Sunday
Odegaard registered three shots (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and four corners in Sunday's 2-1 win versus Brazil.
Analysis: Odegaard's three-game assisting streak ended as he couldn't make his crosses count this time, though he remained productive with 101 accurate passes and multiple shots during the win. The Arsenal star has recorded most minutes in the current World Cup, except in the third group match where he was rested. He'll have another chance to get back on track in the quarterfinals, hoping to support the team through creative skill.
Assists in win
Odegaard assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), three crosses (two accurate) and one corner in Tuesday's 2-1 victory against Cote D'ivoire.
Analysis: Odegaard was all-action throughout Tuesday's win, up and down the pitch contributing in a huge way throughout. The attacking midfielder got his goal contribution for the opener setting up Antonio Nusa and nearly had a second goal contribution later in the match. Odegaard will need to be hugely involved if Norway want to pull off a shock against Brazil.
Sets up teammate in Senegal game
Odegaard assisted once to go with three shots (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Monday's 3-2 victory over Senegal.
Analysis: Odegaard had a complete offensive game, engineering several menacing actions, putting up stats across the board and assisting Erling Haaland's first goal with a deft through ball to cap off a counter. It's his second consecutive assist in the World Cup. He could have scored very early, but he hit Edouard Mendy from point-blank range. He also led his team in crosses. He has tallied at least two in the first three tilts, totaling five (two accurate) and adding four shots (one on target), two chances created and four corners.
Assists from corner
Odegaard assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Tuesday's 4-1 victory versus Iraq.
Analysis: Odegaard took only one of Norway's five corners as Julian Ryerson handed most of the set piece responsibilities elsewhere, but his one delivery proved decisive, picked out by Leo Ostigard for the assist. Beyond that, the captain was not heavily involved as an attacking threat, with the corner standing as his only chance created in the game and just one shot from outside the box to his name. His role in building play to break down Iraq's defense should not be overlooked, however, as he completed 41 of his 42 passes.
Captaining Norway
Odegaard is set to be a key starter for Norway at the 2026 World Cup.
Analysis: Odegaard is set to lead Norway into the World Cup as the captain, a crucial part of the team, as he is set to lead the midfield as well. He will be used as their more attacking option in the middle, and with great attacking options ahead of him, he should see plenty of opportunities to earn assists and goals. He struggled a bit with Arsenal this season as injuries played a major factor, earning one goal and six assists in 24 appearances (16 starts). However, he will look to change this at the World Cup, as his decisive passing could be the key to their potential dark horse run.
Delivers one assist off bench
Odegaard assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Sunday's 1-0 win over West Ham United.
Analysis: Odegaard came off the bench in the second half in Sunday's 1-0 win against West Ham and made an immediate impact, picking his way into the area with composure before cutting the ball back precisely for Leandro Trossard to finish and break the deadlock with seven minutes remaining. The Norwegian captain's introduction changed the dynamic of a match that had looked set for a goalless draw, with his vision and technical quality in tight spaces providing the creative spark his side had been missing. Odegaard has now registered six Premier League assists this season, level with Leandro Trossard for the team lead.
Option from bench
Odegaard (knee) is on the bench for Tuesday's match against Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Odegaard is back in the side Tuesday, but not as an option from the get-go, instead picked for the bench. This is not too surprising after Eberechi Eze showed more production in the first leg, especially with Odegaard still battling injuries. However, he should return to some starting time as the Gunners attempt to close out a Premier League title.
Set for return
Odegaard (knee) is an option for Tuesday's match against Atletico Madrid, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "They are available, they are in the squad, both of them."
Analysis: Odegaard is back in the mix after he had to sit out over the weekend, with the midfielder appearing to be left out more for caution after being cleared just days later. This will give the club another threat in the attack, as he is usually the base of most of their attacks. However, with Eberechi Eze being a bit more energetic and productive as of late, it will be interesting to see if Arteta gives Exe the nod, especially with Odegaard having some concerns throughout the season.
Out against Fulham
Odegaard (knee) is ruled out for Saturday's clash against Fulham.
Analysis: Odegaard has been unable to pass the testing that had left him as a late call following the injury feared during UCL play, confirming his absence for the weekend as the club prioritize his availability for Tuesday's UCL action over any unnecessary risk on Saturday. The Norwegian had been operating in Eberechi Eze's shadow since returning from his previous injury, with the latter appearing more explosive and influential in the meantime, meaning his absence from the starting lineup is unlikely to significantly disrupt the side's rhythm. His situation will be monitored closely in the coming days as Arsenal assess whether he can be ready in time for the high-stakes European fixture ahead.
Late call for Saturday
Odegaard (knee) is questionable for Saturday's match against Fulham, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "Let's see."
Analysis: Odegaard is feared to have suffered an injury in UCL play, and that leaves him needing some testing for Saturday, left as a late call. The true question is whether the club will turn to him if he is on the verge of fitness, as Eberechi Eze has seemed more explosive and influential when on the field since Odegaard's return from a previous injury. That said, with the midfielder on the verge of making the team sheet, he appears more likely to find a bench role either way, not risking him before UCL action on Tuesday.
Injury fears after UCL clash
Odegaard's fitness is a concern after his exit due to knee discomfort in Wednesday's Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid, Simon Collings of The Sun reports.
Analysis: Odegaard is expected to be assessed ahead of the next Premier League contest versus Fulham, with the extent of his injury still unclear. The midfielder has struggled with physical issues throughout the season, but he has now made three consecutive starts in all competitions. Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka should see increased outings if the Norwegian faces a new absence.
Starts against City
Odegaard (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Manchester City.
Analysis: Odegaard is back from his two-match absence for the major contest against City, starting in his typical midfielder role. The major concern is if he will be ready for the pace of the match, having only played four times since Feb. 7. Either way, this is solid news for the club, needing their star midfielder to close out what has been an impressive campaign.
Still trying for return
Odegaard (undisclosed) is questionable for Sunday's match against Manchester City, according to manager Mikel Arteta. "We will try again. Some players are quite close, but the turnaround is short, so we will try tomorrow to push everybody, and if they are in good condition, they will be part of us, and if not, they won't. They haven't been in the last few weeks, unfortunately."
Analysis: Odegaard has missed the past two games due to his injury and is still not yet a confirmed option, needing to try for a spot on Sunday. He will have Saturday to test his legs and train again, hopefully leading to his return in their massive match with title implications. He started in the two matches he returned in before hitting the sidelines again, potentially starting immediately if deemed fit to face City.
Absent again
Odegaard (undisclosed) is out for Wednesday's match against Sporting.
Analysis: Odegaard is not an option Wednesday, after he was unlikely to play, with the midfielder back on the sidelines due to another injury. It is unknown if he is trending towards a return for Sunday's match against City, an even bigger loss if he misses that match. Since Feb. 7, he has only been able to start two games due to injury.
Still absent, unlikely Wednesday
Odegaard (undisclosed) was not present at Arsenal's open training session Tuesday, making him unlikely to feature in Wednesday's Champions League second leg against Sporting CP, according to James Benge of CBS Sports Football.
Analysis: Odegaard had already missed Saturday's fixture against Bournemouth with an issue he picked up during the first leg, and his continued absence from training is a significant concern for Arsenal heading into what is a must-win European night. The Norwegian captain is Arsenal's most important creative presence and losing him for the second leg would be a major blow, with Kai Havertz the most likely candidate to continue operating as the number 10 in his absence. The club will hopefully provide a clearer picture on his status closer to kickoff.
Absent against Bournemouth
Odegaard (undisclosed) was left out of the matchday squad for Saturday's clash against Bournemouth due to the little niggle he suffered in Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting CP, according to coach Mikel Arteta, per the Daily Mail. "[Martin] is a very important player for us but he had a niggle during the midweek game and he wasn't available today."
Analysis: Odegaard had been replaced in Tuesday's UCL win over Sporting CP with coach Mikel Arteta describing the change as partly tactical and partly precautionary, but his absence from the squad against Bournemouth Saturday suggests the little niggle he suffered may be more significant than initially indicated. Kai Havertz is expected to operate as the number 10 against the Cherries in his absence, with Arsenal keeping their captain fresh for what figures to be a crucial European night on Wednesday. The club will monitor his progress over the coming days before making a final call on his availability for the second leg against the Sportinguitas.
Substitution deemed precautionary
Odegaard was dealing with a leg discomfort that forced him to be replaced in Tuesday's UCL win over Sporting CP, although manager Mikel Arteta commented that the change was "partly tactical" and also "precautionary", per Mehdi Gokal of CaughtOffside.com.
Analysis: Odegaard could avoid a serious issue, but he's unlikely to get a lot of playing time in the short term given that he has recently struggled with injuries, and there could be some risk of him suffering a new setback. If the midfielder is fit enough to appear in upcoming contests, he'll compete with Kai Havertz for a central attacking midfield spot, looking to produce offensive stats.
Subs off with injury in UCL
Odegaard was forced to exit Tuesday's Champions League clash with Sporting CP after being treated for an apparent muscular blow during the second half.
Analysis: Odegaard was somewhat involved in his team's attacks but ultimately failed to make an impact and ended up with a new fitness concern. Having struggled with a knee issue that prevented him from playing in March, the midfielder is now at risk of being sidelined again. In that case, Kai Havertz could return to the starting XI, with Eberechi Eze (calf) adding an option if he recovers before the Norwegian.
Starts, plays 61 minutes
Odegaard recorded two shots (one on target) and three chances created in Saturday's 2-1 loss to Southampton.
Analysis: Odegaard returned to play in FA Cup play Saturday, appearing in a match for the first time since Feb. 22 due to injury. Unfortunately for the midfielder, it was a rough match to return in, recording three chances created but still seeing his side lose. He will now focus on getting back up to speed for UCL and league play as his club tries not to squander another trophy.
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