Solbakken Confident Ødegaard Will Be Ready for 2026 World Cup

Norway's national team coach, Ståle Solbakken, has expressed confidence in midfielder Martin Ødegaard's swift recovery, expecting him to feature in the upcoming World Cup.

"I'm confident in him. He's making great progress in his recovery. The pain is decreasing. I hope he plays in one of Arsenal's next matches, and then everything will be fine. So, I'm not afraid of that, unless something new happens. You never know, but it shouldn't happen," Solbakken was quoted as saying by TV 2.

Ødegaard, 27, has been plagued by various injuries this season, including issues with his shoulder, knee, and muscles. The midfielder has missed 22 matches for Arsenal.

Norway is set to compete against France, Senegal, and Iraq in Group I of the 2026 World Cup.