Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is facing a significant challenge as the team prepares to cope without captain Martin Ødegaard for the next three weeks.
The midfielder, who has been pivotal to Arsenal’s recent performances, sustained an ankle injury while representing Norway in an international fixture against Austria.
Ødegaard was expected to play a crucial role in Arsenal’s upcoming matches, particularly in key fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.
Initially, the hope was that Ødegaard’s injury was not severe.
However, concerns grew after images surfaced of him on crutches, indicating that the injury might be more serious than first thought.
Recent updates confirmed that while Ødegaard has avoided a fracture, the injury will still keep him sidelined for some time.
After undergoing a scan, the results were reassuring to some extent, but the injury is still a blow to the team, as his absence could affect Arsenal’s momentum.
The timeline for Ødegaard’s recovery was confirmed by Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, who spoke with the BBC.
Dr. Sand stated that ankle injuries like Ødegaard’s typically require at least three weeks to heal, but added that recovery could take longer depending on the specifics of the injury.
He explained that while the MRI scan showed no fracture, interpreting such scans can be difficult, especially when the player has had a prior injury in the same area.
Dr. Sand also mentioned that in cases where a fracture is present, the recovery time would be at least six weeks, so Arsenal can take some comfort in knowing Ødegaard’s injury is not as severe as it could have been.
Despite the absence of a fracture, the injury remains a major setback for Arsenal.
Ødegaard has been an influential figure in the team, both as a creative playmaker and as a leader on the pitch.
His presence has been integral to Arsenal’s performances this season, and losing him for critical matches against rivals like Tottenham and Manchester City could prove costly.
In Ødegaard’s absence, Arsenal will need to rely on other midfielders to fill the void.
Players like Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, and Jorginho are likely to be given more opportunities to step up and prove their worth in the upcoming games.
Arteta will need to ensure that the team can adapt and maintain their level of performance, even without their captain.
While Ødegaard’s injury is undoubtedly a blow to Arsenal’s aspirations, there is a sense of relief that it is not more serious.
The fact that he is expected to return in about three weeks is positive news for the club and its fans.
Arsenal supporters will be hoping that Ødegaard’s recovery progresses smoothly and that he can return to action as soon as possible to help the team in their pursuit of success this season.
For now, the focus will be on how well the rest of the squad can compensate for his absence.
If Arsenal can navigate these crucial fixtures without their captain and continue to pick up points, they will remain in a strong position in the Premier League.
