Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard suffered an ankle injury during Norway’s Nations League match against Austria. The Norwegian team doctor has indicated that Ødegaard could face several weeks on the sidelines as a result of this injury. This comes as a significant blow to Arsenal, especially with key midfielder Declan Rice already suspended for the upcoming north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Extent of the Injury
Ødegaard was seen using crutches as he traveled back to London for further scans to assess the severity of his ankle injury. The team doctor mentioned that ankle injuries of this nature typically require a minimum of three weeks for recovery. However, depending on the extent of the injury, the rehabilitation period could be longer. The initial MRI examination in London has ruled out a fracture, which is a positive sign for Ødegaard’s recovery.
Martin Ødegaard has been a pivotal player for Arsenal in recent seasons under manager Mikel Arteta. His absence due to the injury will be deeply felt by the team, especially as they are already missing another key signing, Mikel Merino, due to a fractured shoulder. The impact of losing such influential players could affect Arsenal’s performance in the upcoming fixtures.
The team doctor emphasized the importance of Ødegaard’s response to rehabilitation in the coming weeks. The initial focus will be on gradual recovery starting with light activities like biking and monitoring pain tolerance. The success of Ødegaard’s rehabilitation will determine his return to full fitness and availability for future matches.
Upcoming Fixtures
Arsenal faces a challenging schedule ahead with the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur followed by the start of their Champions League campaign against Atalanta. The absence of Martin Ødegaard raises concerns about the team’s midfield strength and creativity in these crucial matches. Manager Mikel Arteta will need to reshuffle the squad to compensate for the loss of key players and maintain a competitive edge.
The injury to Martin Ødegaard has created a significant setback for Arsenal, impacting their team dynamics and tactical options. The forthcoming matches will test the squad’s depth and resilience in coping with the absence of key players. Ødegaard’s road to recovery will be closely monitored, and his return to full fitness will be eagerly awaited by Arsenal fans and the coaching staff alike.