Norway manager Stale Solbakken has suggested Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard retains a slim possibility of featuring in the Carabao Cup final. The attacking midfielder has been absent for the Gunners since entering as a substitute during the second period of the 4-1 north London derby triumph at Tottenham.

Subsequently, Odegaard has been omitted from Solbakken’s squad for their upcoming friendlies against the Netherlands and Switzerland, whilst Manchester City forward Erling Haaland is only set to feature in one of those fixtures. Nevertheless, Solbakken says his captain might still return to competitive action before the international break, stating: “If Martin makes it into the League Cup final squad and manages to train with the team at the end of the week, we will have another conversation about how wise it is for him to be there.

“I’d rather see him build his physique and get a proper training period. I’m not sure if he calls me and says this is going well, I’m not sure I want him with me.”

Solbakken clarified that he would prefer to leave Odegaard out of his Norway squad, as he believes the player would benefit from additional rest and training.

The 27-year-old has been battling to overcome a knee problem which he originally sustained in the 1-1 Premier League stalemate at Brentford in February. Despite making his comeback last month following absences against Wigan Athletic and Wolves, Odegaard has since spent several weeks on the treatment table working to regain full fitness.

However, there is a reluctance to hasten his recovery as the problem requires careful management ahead of Arsenal‘s run-in and Norway’s World Cup campaign.

Writing in his programme notes on Tuesday, Odegaard was eager to emphasise his determination to return to action at the earliest opportunity.

He said: “Again, I was so disappointed not to be involved in the game. I’m working hard to be back as soon as I can, and I’m feeling stronger all the time. I was in the stadium on Saturday though of course, watching the game with my brother, who you might have seen on the Modern Leader documentary on the Arsenal App.”

It has been a disrupted season for the playmaker, who also sustained shoulder and knee injuries (separate to his current problem) earlier in the campaign.