Arsenal captain Odegaard pulls out of Norway squad

Martin Odegaard has made five appearances for Arsenal this season

Norway and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard says he needs to "listen to his body" after withdrawing from his country's squad for this week's Nations League fixtures.

The midfielder injured ankle ligaments during September's international break, forcing him to miss seven weeks of action.

He made his return in Arsenal's 1-0 defeat by Inter Milan in the Champions League last week before playing the whole of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Chelsea in the Premier League.

Odegaard was initially left out of Norway's squad for matches against Slovenia on 14 November and Kazakhstan three days later but he travelled to Oslo to be assessed by the medical department.

"After discussions with the medical staff at the national team, we have unfortunately come to the conclusion that the situation is not good enough to play these games," Odegaard said.

"I’ve been through a long training period and when you haven’t practiced football in the last nine weeks, it’s natural not to be 100% yet. I need to listen to my body, complete this rehab process and get my foot back in good shape."

Odegaard missed 12 Arsenal matches following his injury in September.

He has made five appearances for the Gunners in all competitions this season.

Norway are top of their Nations League group, with seven points from four matches.

Odegaard, who has played 61 times for his country, was named captain of the national side in 2021.