- Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle injury during the international match for Norway
- The Norwegian national team doctor has given an update on Odegaard’s fitness
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Martin Odegaard is expected to be out of action for at least three weeks after an ankle injury he sustained during the Norway international break.
Arsenal star Odegaard was taken off in the second half of his country’s 2-1 Nations League win over Austria on Monday, in a worrying move for Gunners fans.
Odegaard appeared to be in serious distress as he limped off the pitch. He was later seen limping onto a private jet on crutches. The injury was described as a ‘serious ankle injury’.
According to Norwegian team doctor Ola Sand, it appears that the 25-year-old player, who underwent a medical examination in London on Tuesday, has not suffered an ankle injury. However, he is expected to be out for at least the rest of September.
“Such ankle injuries often last at least three weeks,” he told the Norwegian newspaper VG. ‘Anything beyond that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer.
Martin Odegaard will reportedly be out for at least three weeks due to an ankle injury
Odegaard limped off the track with the problem during Norway’s match against Austria on Monday evening
‘Ankle injuries are immediately very painful. With Martin it was extremely painful. He became very worried.
‘They are now studying the MRI images and have forwarded them. No violation is suspected.
‘What we have learned so far from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle.
‘If you have a fracture, there is a good chance that you will not be able to play for six weeks or longer.’
The news of Odegaard’s injury is a huge blow to Mikel Arteta, with the Arsenal captain likely to miss Sunday’s derby against Tottenham Hotspur in north London.
That comes as midfielder Declan Rice is already suspended for the match after being sent off against Brighton last time out, while new signing Mikel Merino, who cost £33million, is absent with a broken shoulder.
Norway are also concerned that Odegaard could be absent during the next international period. The team of Stale Solbakken plays against Slovenia and Austria on October 10 and 13.
If that is the case, Odegaard could miss as many as seven games for Arsenal in the next month.
In addition to the North London derby, there was also to be a major Premier League match against Manchester City, as well as Champions League matches against Atalanta and PSG.
Sand, who revealed that Arsenal have taken over Odegaard’s care, also explained the next steps for Odegaard.
“He’s had it (ankle injuries) before,” he added. “It’s always a little bit tricky to interpret an MRI when you’ve had an old injury.
‘But Arsenal are almost certain that there is no rift. But this could take some time.
“His response to the rehabilitation over the next few weeks is the most important thing. It will start gently on the bike, gently in relation to what he can tolerate in pain. Then you build it up gradually.”
Meanwhile, Solbakken lamented the injury and stressed that things would be much more difficult if Odegaard was not available.
Arteta is undoubtedly in the same boat, with the Norwegian having been a near-constant presence since his move to the Emirates – initially on loan – in January 2021.
In total, the midfielder has made 156 appearances for the club, scoring 31 goals and providing 23 assists. The 25-year-old has quickly become the club’s captain ahead of the 2022-23 season.
After Sunday’s match against Tottenham, Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign next Thursday against Atalanta.
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