Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is set for a spell on the sidelines as the 25-year-old is said to be out for at least three weeks with an ankle injury, according to Norway’s team doctor.
Odegaard limped off during Norway’s 2-0 win over Austria in the UEFA Nations League on Monday, following a challenge from RB Leipzig midfielder Christoph Baumgartner.
The Gunners’ captain, however, returned to London, where he underwent an MRI scan to ascertain the extent of the damage.
After the incident, Ola Sand, Norway’s team doctor, hinted that the midfielder, who injured his left ankle, would be lucky to return in less three weeks, adding that although there was “probably no fracture”, it would be “just a bonus” if Odegaard returned in less than the stipulated timeframe.
“Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus and then it can take longer,” Sand told Norwegian newspaper VG
“What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle.
“Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach, but this may still take some time. In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus,” he added.
With Odegaard potentially out for three weeks, the former Real Madrid man would miss five games for Arsenal, who will head across town this Sunday to take on rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the first North London derby of the season.
He could also possibly miss their Champions League opener away at Atalanta on Thursday as well as their Premier League clash against defending champions and title rivals Manchester City on September 22.
The Gunners also announced that manager Mikel Arteta will provide an update during his pre-match news conference on Friday.
Arsenal will also be without two other midfielders for Sunday’s North London derby following Declan Rice’s suspension after he was sent off against Brighton and Hove Albion just before the international break, and summer signing Mikel Merino’s fractured shoulder.
Odegaard might not be Arsenal’s only loss to injury during the international break as summer signing Riccardo Calafiori is also doubtful after the defender was forced off during Italy’s win over France.
