Premier League
Norway Team Doctor Reveals Martin Ødegaard’s Injury Timeline
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard could face several weeks on the sidelines after injuring his right ankle during Norway’s Nations League victory against Austria on Monday, according to the Norwegian team doctor.
The Arsenal captain sprained his ankle during Monday’s 2-1 win at home to Austria in the UEFA Nations League.
Odegaard limped off the field and was seen using crutches while boarding a flight back to London, where he underwent additional scans to determine the severity of his injury.
In an interview with VG, Norway team doctor Ole Sand claimed Odegaard is likely to miss at least three weeks due to the issue.
“Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer,” medic Ola Sand was quoted as saying by Norway’s VG.
“Ankle injuries are very painful right away. With Martin, it was extremely painful. He became very worried.
“What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle. In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus.”
Norway manager Stale Solbakken suggested that Odegaard is to miss the team’s October matches and mentioned that this injury could keep him sidelined for more than a month.
Solbakken said, “It is difficult for us if we are going to play without Martin, considering that it is Slovenia at home and Austria away.
“He is probably the one who has been the least injured of those who are completely bombproof in the XI under me.”
Odegaard will be unavailable for Arsenal’s challenging schedule following the international break, beginning with Sunday’s trip to rival Tottenham Hotspur for the north London derby.
Mikel Arteta’s side will then travel to Italy to face Atalanta in their UEFA Champions League opener next Thursday before taking on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The Gunners are already missing Mikel Merino due to an injury, and Declan Rice is out of the trip to Spurs owing to suspension.
