Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle injury while on international duty with Norway, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur. The injury occurred during Norway’s UEFA Nations League match against Austria, where Odegaard had to leave the pitch in visible pain.
Norway’s national team doctor, Ola Sand, provided an update on Odegaard’s condition, stating that the midfielder sustained a small ankle sprain. “Martin is doing quite well now,” Sand mentioned. “We will see throughout the evening and tomorrow what happens next and what we will do about it. It is currently difficult to say anything about the extent of the damage. Ankle sprains are difficult to deal with straight away, so we almost have to see how things go forward”.
The injury is particularly concerning for Arsenal, as they face a series of crucial matches in the coming weeks. After the North London Derby, the Gunners are set to play Atalanta in the Champions League and then Manchester City in the Premier League. Odegaard’s absence could be a significant blow to Mikel Arteta’s plans, especially given the recent departures of Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe, who were the primary backups for the attacking midfield position.
Norway’s manager, Stale Solbakken, also commented on the situation, expressing regret over the decision to play Odegaard despite his pre-existing injuries. “Martin’s injury looked bad in the dressing room as well. I saw that he was sitting with the physios around him. He had no chance of continuing. It was probably an overstep, and those who have played football know that it can go well if the ligaments have not gone”.
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