29 March 2023 , 05:58
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Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard wasn't showing any ill-effects from Rodri's horror tackle as he completed the full 90 minutes for Norway against Georgia on Tuesday.
Odegaard was left fuming with referee Benoit Bastien after being wiped out by Spain and Manchester City star Rodri in Norway's first Euro 2024 qualifier, while Arsenal fans were concerned for their captain's safety. With 10 games remaining in their Premier League season - including a trip to City's Etihad Stadium in April - Mikel Arteta's side will need everyone available and on form.
Arsenal's captain looked in pain after Rodri's challenge, but was able to finish the match in Malaga. Another 90 minutes followed just three days later, in what many will see as a positive for Odegaard's capacity for recovery.
"I’m pretty sure I should have had a penalty," Odegaard told Norwegian station TV2 after the Rodri challenge. "He’s coming with his studs right on my ankle.
"But I’m sure I’ll get punished [if I say anymore]. I don’t bother saying anything else about the referee. It’s better not to say anything."
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The trip to top seeds Spain brought a 3-0 defeat for Norway, and they had an opportunity to make amends in the second of two away games to kick off their campaign. It wasn't to be, though, with Alexander Sorloth's opener in Georgia cancelled out by Georges Mikautadze.
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Martin Odegaard was back in action as Norway took on Georgia (Zurab Tsertsvadze/AP/REX/Shutterstock)Norway's frustration was compounded as Scotland shocked Spain in Group A's other game on Tuesday. Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay scored both goals in a 2-0 victory to add to his double against Cyprus on Saturday, leaving Steve Clarke's side top of the group.
On this occasion it was Rodri left angered, with the former Atletico Madrid man hitting out at Scotland's tactics. “It’s the way they play - for me it’s a bit rubbish," he told Viaplay. "It’s always wasting time, they provoke you, they always fall. For me, this is not football,"
“The referee has to take a part in this but he said nothing. It’s a bit frustrating because we want to win and it’s difficult because they waste time, waste time. It is what it is. They have their weapons, we have our weapons, and we will learn for next time.”
After their slow start, Norway have a chance to make amends in the June international break with home games against Scotland and Cyprus. Rodri's Spain are not due to play in either of the gameweeks, allowing their rivals to potentially steal a march.
Next up for Odegaard, though, is a return to domestic action with Arsenal. The Gunners will be looking to protect their eight point lead at the top of the Premier League table when they take on struggling Leeds United on April 1, with Manchester City facing Liverpool earlier on the same day.