Martin Ødegaard, the captain of the Norwegian national football team and a prominent player for Arsenal, has been sidelined for several matches due to knee issues. As the national team prepares for upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Switzerland, there are rising worries about Ødegaard's fitness, especially since he has not featured in competitive matches for Arsenal recently. His repeated absence raises questions about his readiness for the national team, which will face a challenging Dutch squad that is improving in international competition.

Commentators, including Vegard Aulstad from VG, express that while the national team's coach, Ståle Solbakken, downplays concerns, the reality outside the team suggests a significant need for caution regarding Ødegaard's health. Aulstad insists that perhaps they have been too optimistic about resting key players like Ødegaard during this phase, and his absence could impact the team's performance positively in these international fixtures. On top of that, it signals underlying issues that could affect his performance through the remainder of the season.

As Norway approaches the friendlies, the spotlight will be on both Ødegaard's recovery and the team's strategy without him. Observers will be keenly watching how the squad adapts and whether they can maintain their competitive edge against nations that are rapidly progressing in football. Ødegaard's situation not only concerns his immediate availability but also his role as a leading figure in Norwegian football, making it essential for him to regain full fitness soon.