Arsenal head into the Qatar 2022 World Cup top of the Premier League after earning 37 points from 14 matches. The Gunners' sizzling start to the 2022/23 campaign means they will be league leaders for the first time since 2007.
Their progress for the time being is now halted as the international tournament takes place in winter for the first time in history. The controversial four-week tournament kicks off on Sunday and ends on December 18 before domestic football returns after Christmas - where the Gunners welcome West Ham to the Emirates.
Arsenal have 10 players representing their countries in the Middle east while the remaining members of Mikel Arteta's side will travel to a training camp in Dubai in December. However, Martin Odegaard has joined up with his Norwegian teammates, despite them not featuring in the World Cup, ahead of their friendly fixtures against Republic of Ireland (November 17) and Finland (November 20).
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The midfielder has himself enjoyed an impressive season and is one of Arteta's most consistent players with six league goals. He is set to be a part of Stale Solbakken's squad before taking a break and returning to London Colney ahead of the warm weather training camp.
Despite being out of the country, Odegaard has been reminded of his side's good work in the Premier League on his arrival to Norway duty. In a video posted online, Napoli defender Leo Østigard hugs him before saying 'Gunners on top. Yes!" as Odegaard looks on with a smile.
Odegaard will also be reunited with compatriot and Manchester City striker Erling Haaland during the international break. The striker is set to miss the game in Dublin as a precaution to the ligament damage suffered against Borussia Dortmund earlier this month.
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