Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is facing uncertainty regarding the future of his season after suffering a serious ankle injury during Norway’s UEFA Nations League match against Austria.
The 25-year-old midfielder sustained the injury in a challenge for the ball, resulting in him being forced off the pitch.
Concerns are now growing over a possible long-term absence, which could deal a major blow to both his club and country.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, left Norway manager Stale Solbakken worried, as he admitted after the game that the injury “looked bad.”
Following the match, Odegaard was seen using crutches, adding to the concern as he prepared to fly from Oslo to London for further medical assessment.
Upon his return to London, Odegaard will undergo a series of tests, including an MRI scan, to determine the severity of the damage.
Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, confirmed the news to the Norwegian media outlet *VG*, stating that Odegaard is on his way to London and will be assessed at Arsenal’s medical facilities later in the day.
When asked for a preliminary evaluation, Sand refrained from giving any specific details but described the injury as a “strong overstepping,” saying the full extent would only be known after the scan.
This injury comes at a critical time for Arsenal, who are preparing for an intense series of fixtures following the international break.
Mikel Arteta’s side will face Tottenham Hotspur in a high-stakes north London derby before traveling to Italy for a Champions League match against Atalanta.
To complicate matters, just three days after that, Arsenal will take on Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash.
Odegaard, a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield, is pivotal to their game plan, and his absence could severely affect the team’s performance in these important games.
Arsenal’s midfield options were already stretched thin due to other setbacks.
Declan Rice, another key midfielder, will miss upcoming matches after receiving a red card in their last Premier League game against Brighton.
Additionally, new signing Mikel Merino, who was expected to add strength to the squad, is out for an extended period due to a shoulder injury sustained during training.
These circumstances make Odegaard’s potential absence even more alarming for the team.
As the Arsenal captain undergoes his MRI scan in London, the club and its fans are hoping for the best possible outcome.
With a demanding schedule ahead, they will be anxiously awaiting the results, hoping that Odegaard’s injury is not as serious as feared, allowing him to return to action as soon as possible.
