One of the biggest absences for the Gunners has been Martin Odegaard, who suffered an ankle injury while on Norway duty just over a month ago.
The Arsenal captain has been out with ligament damage, but is edging ever closer to a return to action.
Indeed, Norway manager Stale Solbakken recently hinted that Odegaard could be in contention for their Nations League games in November.
He told Norwegian outlet Verdens Gang: “Everything indicates that things are going according to plan.
The report cites sources claiming Odegaard will be fit before mid-November, but the Gunners’ preference is for him to miss the Slovenia and Kazakhstan games.
This is so Arsenal can manage his workload and protect him ahead of the busy festive period.
Arsenal have already been without Odegaard for a while now, due to the injury he picked up on Norway duty.
He cannot go out again on international duty just as he returns from injury, risking another setback which will cost the Gunners dear.
That said, it remains to be seen whether Odegaard will even be fit enough by that stage, and if that’s the case, the matter would be settled pretty quickly.
Whatever happens, Odegaard is better off staying put at Arsenal, with the coaches and medical staff ensuring he can get back to his best.
