Premier League giants Arsenal have suffered another major blow as Martin Odegaard picked up a painful injury during his national team's UEFA Nations League fixture on Monday.
The highly-rated midfielder captained Norway in their clash with Austria but was forced off the pitch in tears after rolling his ankle while being fouled in the 63rd minute. The Lions went on to celebrate a 2-1 win but Arsenal fans were left fretting over their skipper's fitness.
Speaking after the game, Norway manager Ståle Solbakken revealed that the midfielder was in tremendous pain in the dressing room and that Odegaard suffered an ankle sprain. However, he reminded everyone that the player could avoid the worst so long as there was no ligament damage.
To little surprise, Arsenal were immediately in contact with the national team. Odegaard was later pictured boarding a plane headed back to London to undergo tests but he was unfortunately seen in crutches, which is a worrying sight.
Martin Odegaard heading back to London this morning.
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) September 10, 2024
Arsenal's medical department are waiting to assess him later today to determine the full extent of his ankle damage. pic.twitter.com/ycoSB3BoY3
Regardless, the extent of this issue will remain unknown until the Norwegian returns to North London and undergoes scans.
Irrespective of the length of this injury, it is a huge blow for the Gunners given their upcoming fixtures both in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Arteta's men will be involved in three tricky away matches over the next two weeks, starting off with this weekend's trip to Tottenham in the league's first North London Derby of the season. Arsenal then visit reigning English champions and bitter title rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium a week after that.
If that was not enough, sandwiched between these two difficult Premier League matches is Arsenal's opening game of the revamped 2024-25 UEFA Champions League campaign. The North London giants kick things off with a trip to UEFA Europa League holders Atalanta, the only team to beat Bayer Leverkusen last season across all competitions.
Additionally, it will be interesting to see how Arteta copes with Odegaard's absence should the Norwegian miss several games. With Fabio Vieira away on loan and Emile Smith Rowe having left permanently for Fulham, the Spaniard does not have a direct replacement, meaning he must opt for the immensely talented but inexperienced teenager Ethan Nwaneri or push the in-form Kai Havertz back into midfield.
