Imanol Alguacil: “Odegaard has been playing with pain since October”

Both Real Sociedad and Martin Odegaard have not been at their early season high levels of play. Since the return from the Coronavirus lock down, the team from San Sebastian have only taken 1 point out of their last 15 and have quickly dropped out of the race for Champions League qualification. It has since been revealed that Martin Odegaard is struggling with knee issues, specifically the tendon between his shin and his lower knee cap.

In the pre-match press conference ahead of the Espanyol game, Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil, spoke about the Norwegian and his physical discomfort. “He has been dealing with the injury since October and has even played with pain,” Alguacil revealed.

“He is not going to be able to play all the games or be on top form, but with the level he has and without training so much, we will have to pick and choose the games in which he can help us,” concluded the coach.

Despite some reports suggesting Odegaard would be out for the remainder of the season, it seems Alguacil still wants to use the player for important matches. El Mundo Deportivo reported that the player traveled to Barcelona on Tuesday to have the injury re-evaluated. It’s unclear whether surgery or other therapy has been recommended after the season ends.