Arsenal Captain Martin Odegaard Faces Three-Week Absence Due to Ankle Injury

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is expected 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 while there is “probably no fracture” to Odegaard’s left ankle, an absence of fewer than three weeks would be “just a bonus.”

Odegaard limped off during Norway’s Nations League win against Austria on Monday. Following the injury, the 25-year-old midfielder returned to London for an MRI scan, which Arsenal is closely monitoring. The club’s manager, Mikel Arteta, is set to provide an official update on Friday, ahead of Sunday’s crucial north London derby against Tottenham.

According to Dr. Sand, “Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus, and it could take longer.” While Arsenal is confident there is no fracture, a fracture would extend the recovery time to six weeks or more.

If Odegaard is sidelined for the predicted three-week period, he would miss five key matches for Arsenal, including a Champions League fixture against Atalanta and a Premier League clash with title contenders Manchester City on 22 September.

In addition to Odegaard’s injury, Arsenal will also be without midfielders Declan Rice, who is suspended, and Mikel Merino, who is recovering from a fractured shoulder. Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori is doubtful after picking up a calf injury during Italy’s Nations League match, although striker Gabriel Jesus may return soon following his recovery from a groin issue.