Martin Odegaard provides fresh injury update ahead of Arsenal vs Brighton

Martin Odegaard has issued a fresh injury update ahead of Arsenal’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton.

The Gunners’ skipper has endured a difficult start to the new season and has missed the last three games after he sustained a setback against West Ham earlier this month.

Mikel Arteta has been cautiously optimistic about the chances of the 26-year-old featuring before the upcoming international break but the captain will be unavailable again this evening.

‘I would love to be involved, but I’m still working on my recovery,’ said Odegaard.

‘It’s going well and I’m progressing a lot. I’ve started moving around more and I’ve been running on the anti-gravity machine this week. It’s good to feel that it’s going in the right direction and that I can do more and more each day when I come into Sobha.

‘It’s hard work, and it’s nice to feel progression – it gives you more motivation.’

Norway, meanwhile, will be looking to book their place at next summer’s World Cup with wins in their next matches against Estonia and Italy.

‘Tonight is our last match at Emirates Stadium before three away games in a week before the internationals,’ added Odegaard.

‘We have built some good momentum now, so let’s keep that going as long as we can.

‘Talking of the internationals, Norway have two big games coming up in November, and we know if we can beat Estonia at home we will be in a really good position to qualify for the World Cup next year.

‘We’re getting closer but we have to finish the job. We’re going to stay calm until it’s done and hopefully we can make it because we feel it’s time for us. It’s been too long.

‘I’m very excited about it and hopefully we can finish the job next month.’