Norway boss explains why Arsenal star Martin Odegaard was 'terrified' by wild celebrations

Stale Solbakken claims Martin Odegaard was "terrified" to stick his knee into Norway's chaotic celebrations

Norway boss Stale Solbakken has revealed Martin Odegaard was reluctant to get involved in his nation's wild dressing room celebrations in fear he could cause further damage to his knee. T he Arsenal captain was in attendance in Oslo on Saturday evening to watch his side take another big leap towards World Cup qualification.

While the match started on a sour note with Erling Haaland missing a penalty, it would eventually prove to be a five-star performance.

The Manchester City marksman bagged yet another hat-trick in the triumph and after the game, Solbakken started passionate scenes in the changing room.

As the Norway players bounced around, footage shows Odegaard sat to one side, though he still sported a smile as he waved his arms in the air in joy.

Speaking after the match, Solbakken said: "It wasn't that easy to get into that locker room after the game. He was terrified of sticking his knee into those scenes there!"

Earlier this week, Odegaard arrived back in his homeland to support his team-mates ahead of their huge clash.

He was forced to withdraw from the squad last Sunday after sustaining an MCL injury in the Gunners' 2-0 win over West Ham .

The playmaker sat with his wife Helene Spilling and his son Matheo in the stands of the Ullevaal Stadium on Saturday, watching the victory with his family. Neither Arsenal nor Norway are currently putting a timeframe on Odegaard's return .

In the past few days, Norway doctor Ola Sand made it clear he was unable to speak out on Odegaard's condition, stating: "Can't say anything. Everything is with Arsenal now."

Norway now turn attention to Tuesday when they host New Zealand in a friendly match. They currently top Group I having won all six of their World Cup qualifiers to date.

Incredibly, Norway have fired 29 goals in those matches while conceding just three times.

They have now secured at least a World Cup play-off spot, however, they will want to get over the line as group winners to make sure of their place at next summer's finals.

Solbakken is taking no chances and it appears that even if Odegaard was fit, he would have been sent home after the Israel match.

Haaland and Atletico Madrid frontman Alexander Sorloth have both been sent back to their respective clubs.