Ståle Solbakken, the head coach of Norway's national football team, has named his squad for two upcoming friendly matches against the Netherlands and Switzerland, although it notably does not include team captain Martin Ødegaard. Ødegaard has been sidelined with an injury and has not featured for Norway since last September. Solbakken's decision reflects the ongoing struggle with player fitness as they prepare for the four international matches leading up to the June World Cup in Boston, USA.

In addition to Ødegaard's omission, Solbakken is also opting to rest leading striker Erling Haaland. This decision highlights the coach's strategy of managing player fatigue and fitness as they head into a critical period in their season, with high-stakes matches approaching. The coach expressed a desire for Ødegaard to focus on his recovery and physical conditioning ahead of the squad's busy schedule in the lead-up to the World Cup.

The friendly matches against the Netherlands and Switzerland serve as vital opportunities for the team to build cohesion and assess player performance in a competitive environment. These games will allow Solbakken to evaluate the contributions of new players from Bodø/Glimt while preparing the squad to face top-tier opponents as they gear up for their World Cup campaign. The absence of Ødegaard, a key player for Norway, raises questions about the team’s ability to compete effectively, emphasizing the need for both preparation and adaptability as they move forward.