Declan Rice is expected to join up with the England squad for international duty despite an injury scare. The Arsenal midfielder was substituted towards the end of his team’s 2-0 victory over West Ham due to a back injury, sparking concerns from Mikel Arteta about his fitness for England.
However, Rice is predicted to arrive at St George’s Park on Monday for the friendly against Wales and the subsequent qualifier in Latvia. Harry Kane has also signalled his readiness after experiencing a foot problem following his goal in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. In contrast, there’s less positive news for Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard who has pulled out of Norway’s squad for their matches against Israel and New Zealand.
Odegaard sustained damage to ligaments in his left knee and Arsenal are currently awaiting scan results, with the Norwegian midfielder seen departing with a brace on his knee.
An Arsenal statement said: “Martin Odegaard has been withdrawn from the Norway national team for their upcoming matches against Israel and New Zealand after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee during the first half in Saturday’s win over West Ham United.
“Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team at Sobha Realty Training Centre during the international window, with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible.”