Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has hit back at those criticizing Martin Odegaard for skipping Norway’s UEFA Nations League game.
Recall that Odegaard is still nursing an injury after featuring in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea on Sunday in the Premier League.
In a chat with Dailymail, Haaland stated that Odegaard would have given his 100% if he was fit to play for Norway’.
I wish Martin was here, but that’s how it is. I understand people are wondering, but I don’t know if anyone here (at the press conference) has had ankle injuries before and knows how it works?
“In case of ankle injuries, you get an estimate of when you will return from the injury. Then you train. I don’t know how many workouts Martin had before these 90 minutes that we didn’t expect him to play.
“When he then plays 90 minutes plus extra time (against Chelsea), there may be reactions in the ankle that can be negative. This has obviously been the case – if you put two plus two together, which I do at least.
“His ankle is worse, he can’t train and he can’t play. He has to go home for treatment and I understand that well. Martin is a player who will die to play for Norway. This can also be seen in all the matches he has played in recent years.”