Arsenal’s Odegaard Faces Minimum Three-Week Layoff Due to Ankle Injury

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set to miss at least three weeks of action after sustaining an ankle injury while playing for Norway. Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, confirmed that although there is “probably no fracture” in Odegaard’s left ankle, a return within three weeks would be “just a bonus.”

The injury occurred during Norway’s Nations League victory over Austria, forcing the 25-year-old midfielder to limp off the pitch. Odegaard has since returned to London, where an MRI scan confirmed the extent of the injury. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is expected to provide further details during a press conference on Friday, ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham.

Dr. Sand explained to Norwegian newspaper VG that such ankle injuries typically require at least three weeks of recovery, though it could be longer depending on the severity. He noted that in the absence of a fracture, recovery time could extend beyond six weeks.

If Odegaard is sidelined for three weeks, he will miss five crucial fixtures for Arsenal, including a Champions League clash against Atalanta and a Premier League showdown with title rivals Manchester City on September 22. Arsenal’s midfield options are further limited, with Declan Rice suspended for the derby and Mikel Merino out with a fractured shoulder.

Additionally, summer signing Riccardo Calafiori remains doubtful after suffering a calf injury during Italy’s Nations League match against France. However, there is some positive news for the Gunners, as striker Gabriel Jesus is nearing a return following a groin problem.

Arsenal will need to navigate this challenging period without several key players as they continue their pursuit of domestic and European success.