Martin Odegaard returns to Arsenal training ahead of Brentford clash

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been spotted in training ahead of their return to Premier League action this week.

Odegaard withdrew from the Norway squad for their final two internationals of the year last week, after missing matches against Newcastle United, Sevilla and Burnley.

Concussion initially kept the skipper out of their trip to Newcastle, before a hip problem ruled him out of the following two matches.

Odegaard was advised not to join up with the Norway squad, and instead use the opportunity of a rare rest in the middle of a hectic schedule to allow the hip to recover.

With most of the squad now back after representing their nations over the past week, Arsenal released pictures of their training session on Wednesday morning, which included Odegaard.

That means that the midfielder will be in contention to start away to Brentford at the weekend, as Mikel Arteta's side look to keep the pressure on at the top.

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Arsenal currently sit in third, just one point behind league leaders Manchester City, who have a tricky test against old foes Liverpool this weekend.

It would be a first start for Odegaard since the away win at Sevilla in the Champions League on October 24, as he was only a substitute for the games which followed against Sheffield United and West Ham United.

Odegaard's return will be greatly received though, as they are yet to lose domestically when he has started this season.

After contributing to 22 goals for Arsenal last season as they pushed Man City close for the title, Odegaard already has another six this campaign.

Arteta and the Arsenal medical team may have looked on with relief that Odegaard did not go away with Norway, when seeing the pitch that they played on against the Faroe Islands, which led to Man City striker Erling Haaland picking up an injury.

That issue has made Haaland a doubt for their clash with Liverpool on Saturday, and will have incensed Pep Guardiola, given that Norway had nothing to play for during this international break.

The champions do have the advantage of playing before Arsenal this weekend though, so can extend the gap to four points before the Gunners take to the field.