Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has added to Mikel Arteta’s injury worries ahead of the north London derby after he limped out of Norway’s UEFA Nations League match against Austria.
In the 64th minute of Monday’s game in Oslo, Odegaard went over heavily on his left ankle in a challenge with Austria forward Christoph Baumgartner.
The playmaker instantly cried out in anguish and grabbed at his ankle as he lay on the turf awaiting treatment.
Odegaard lay with his hands over his face in obvious pain, although he did not require a stretcher to leave the field — limping to the sideline with the help of two members of Norway’s medical team.
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The incident marks another setback for Arteta during this international break after Riccardo Calafiori withdrew from Italy duty following a freak collision with Ousmane Dembele during the Azzurri’s 3-1 victory over France.
Martin Odegaard injury update: Arteta facing Arsenal issues
Midfield is becoming a cause of major concern for Arteta ahead of the Premier League showdown with bitter rivals Tottenham.
Worrying scenes at Ullevaal Stadium. Seems that our captain Martin Ødegaard twisted his ankle. Just had to leave the pitch unfortunately … pic.twitter.com/JEPoT0KUi8
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) September 9, 2024
Declan Rice is suspended after his controversial red card during the 1-1 draw against Brighton prior to the international break.
New signing Mikel Merino is set to spend two months on the sidelines after suffering a fractured shoulder in his first training session with the Gunners.
Norway beat Austria 2-1 thanks to a goal 10 minutes from time from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland. Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium to face City on September 22 — another reason to hope the damage sustained by Odegaard is not serious.
