Captain Martin Odegaard is facing many weeks out following a serious ankle injury he suffered while on international duty with Norway. The 25-year-old playmaker was hobbling after Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win over Austria on September 9 and returned to London on crutches.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash against Atalanta that scans revealed ligament damage, ruling Odegaard out “for a while.” The Gunners boss did not give any timeline, but he hopes it will not drag into months.
“It’s something serious, so we are going to be without him for a while,” Arteta said. “He’s our captain and one of our top players. Our identity is very linked to the way that he plays, so it’s a big test for the team.
Odegaard’s absence will be a big blow to Arsenal, second in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Manchester City. Midfielder Odegaard has really been a key figure for the Gunners, missing very few games in the last three seasons.
Norway coach Stale Solbakken, equally updated on his condition, shared similar concern: “We prepare for life without Martin, since it is uncertain how fast he will recover.”.
