Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, faces the prospect of being sidelined for several weeks after suffering a concerning ankle injury while on international duty.
The incident occurred during Norway’s 2-1 victory over Austria in the Nations League on Monday night.
The 25-year-old playmaker twisted his ankle awkwardly while challenging Christoph Baumgartner for a loose ball, leading to an alarming fall.
Odegaard was forced to leave the pitch in the second half after receiving extended medical attention.
His removal from the match sparked concerns, with Norway’s coach Stale Solbakken sharing a grim post-match update.
“It looked bad in the dressing room as well,” Solbakken remarked. “I saw him surrounded by the physiotherapists, but there was no way he could continue. We know it was an ankle sprain.”
Solbakken’s concerns were evident as he went on to explain the severity of the injury. “Yes, it’s a sprain, and for those of us who have played football, we know it could go either way depending on whether the ligaments are damaged or not. I doubt [Mikel] Arteta will be calling me tonight to thank me,” he added, highlighting the potential strain this could place on Arsenal’s upcoming plans.
Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, offered more insight into Odegaard’s condition, stating, “He got a small ankle sprain. We will monitor him closely tonight and tomorrow to determine the next steps. These injuries can be tricky to assess immediately.” S
and indicated that further medical evaluations, including the possible use of ultrasound or MRI, would be conducted to ascertain the full extent of the injury.
This news comes as a significant setback for Arsenal, who are already facing a difficult schedule.
The Gunners are set to resume Premier League action with a high-stakes clash against their north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, on Sunday.
Following that, they have a challenging Champions League fixture away at Atalanta before rounding off a tough series of away games against title rivals Manchester City.
Adding to Arsenal’s woes, the squad will also be missing key midfielder Declan Rice due to suspension for the Spurs match, while recent signing Mikel Merino remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.
With Odegaard’s leadership and creativity in question, Mikel Arteta now faces an uphill battle to navigate these crucial fixtures without some of his most influential players.
