Odegaard injury 'looks bad' as coach and doctor offer update on Arsenal star (original) (raw)
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was forced off the pitch during Norway's clash with Austria on Monday with a painful looking ankle injury and his manager has offered an update on the midfielder's fitness
Odegaard had his head in his hands as he was given treatment on the pitch
Martin Odegaard's appearance in the North London Derby is in major doubt with Norway boss Ståle Solbakken revealing his injury "looks bad".
The Arsenal midfielder was withdrawn in the second-half of his nation's UEFA Nations League clash with Austria on Monday. He was helped from the pitch by medical staff in clear agony, with Manchester City star Erling Haaland offering him a consolitary hand.
Odegaard also tried his best to choke back tears. And it appears that there is some major concern for the playmaker behind the scenes. Speaking after the game, Norway boss Solbakken said: “It looked bad in the dressing room too. He didn't have the nerve to continue. It is not certain that Arteta will call me tonight and praise me."
Meanwhile, Norway doctor Ola Sand also offered an update. As quoted by TV2, he said: “He got a small ankle sprain. We will see, maybe we use ultrasound to look at it. If we are unsure, there will be an MRI tomorrow."
The incident that saw Odegaard injured occured in the 67th minute. It happened following a challenge from Christoph Baumgartner which saw Odegaard's foot stick in the turf and twist.
He immediately stayed down with his teammates calling the medical team onto the pitch for treatment. Arsenal will certainly hope that the issue is not serious after further tests.
The Gunners have a testing run of games coming up and will be desperate to have their captain available. Summer signing Mikel Merino has already been ruled out with a shoulder injury, while fellow arrival Riccardo Calafiori also picked up an issue on international duty and has been forced to pull out of the Italy squad.
Speaking after the defender's injury, Italy boss Luciano Spaletti said: “We need to assess Riccardo but with our staff, we’ve a good chance to have him back with us for the next game.”
Martin Odegaard limped off the pitch after getting treatment (
Image:
Getty Images)
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But his optimism was not well placed as Calafiori returned to North London and will play no further part in the current break. Elsewhere, Declan Rice is set to be sidelined for this weekend's clash against Tottenham following his controversial red card against Brighton before the international break.
Following this weekend's game, Arsenal then kick off their Champions League campaign against Italian side Atalanta. They then face potential title rivals Man City at the Etihad Stadium.
Mikel Arteta 's men then welcome Bolton and Leicester to the Emirates Stadium ahead of a showdown with PSG at the start of October.
Arsenal have so far enjoyed a positive start to the new season with seven points from their opening three games. They beat Wolves and Aston Villa in their opening two games before being held by Brighton.
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