'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Martin Odegaard issues emotional statement as Arsenal star eyes return from injury
Nov 18 2025 18:16 · By Mark Wakefield · 17 Reads
· View Original
View Image
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has shared a heartfelt message after Norway secured their spot in the upcoming World Cup. Despite being sidelined with a knee injury, Odegaard has been cheering on his compatriots from the sidelines.
Norway clinched their place in the 2026 World Cup following victories over Estonia and Italy in the recent qualifiers. Manchester City's Erling Haaland was the star of the show, netting two goals in each match, with the latest game concluding in a 4-1 triumph for Stale Solbakken's team at the San Siro.
Odegaard has been battling a knee issue that has seen him sit out Arsenal's last seven games.
Even though he hasn't been able to play for Arsenal or Norway recently, Odegaard joined in the celebrations as Norway booked their World Cup spot for the first time since 1998, reports football.london .
On Monday, Odegaard was with his teammates as they received a hero's welcome back in Oslo, with a crowd of 50,000 fans celebrating Norway's qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The Arsenal captain has now taken to social media to share an emotional message with Norway supporters.
"We've been dreaming of moments like this since we were little kids," Odegaard wrote in a post on Instagram to his seven million followers.
"We have been working so hard. We have failed and failed... But we never gave up. Never lose faith, hope or unity.
"This group has stood together through the toughest days and moments, and therefore it feels even better to be where we are today.
"Proud to be a part of this crew. Proud to play for Norway. Proud to be Norwegian. Proud to represent Norway in the World Cup!! Dreams can really come true if you work hard and believe enough.
"To all the children and young adults out there: We were all once like you. So dream big and work hard, and everything is possible!
"Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate with us yesterday [Monday] and thank you for all the love we have received the past few days! It means more than you know. Let's enjoy the moment, but we won't stop here..."
Odegaard will now return to London Colney and will be targeting a return to the Arsenal matchday squad as soon as possible, with a clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League to come this weekend.
On Monday, Odegaard provided a positive update, suggesting that he'll be back 'soon'. "It's moving forward," Odegaard told TV2 .
"The match today came a little too early… But it's starting to look better, so hopefully I'll be back soon."
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.