Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set to undergo an MRI scan to determine the extent of an ankle injury sustained during Norway’s Nations League match against Austria on Monday.
The 25-year-old midfielder was forced to leave the pitch after his ankle twisted in a challenge for the ball, raising concerns of a potentially long-term absence from the squad.
The injury appeared serious, with Norway manager Stale Solbakken admitting after the match that it “looked bad.” Odegaard was subsequently seen on crutches the following morning as he prepared to board a private jet from Oslo to London.
His return to London is for further medical evaluation, with the club’s medical team set to carry out scans to assess the full extent of the damage.
Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, confirmed that Odegaard would be undergoing an MRI scan at Arsenal’s facilities later in the day. Speaking to Norwegian media outlet VG, Sand stated, “He is on his way to London and will have an MRI there later today.” When asked for a preliminary assessment of the injury, Sand offered little detail, saying only, “Nothing but a strong overstepping and that we await what Arsenal find.” The lack of a detailed initial assessment has left Arsenal fans and management anxious as they await the results of the scan.
The timing of this injury could not be worse for Arsenal, who are gearing up for a crucial series of matches following the international break. Manager Mikel Arteta’s side faces a challenging fixture list, starting with a high-stakes north London derby away to Tottenham Hotspur.
Following that, they will travel to Italy to take on Atalanta in the Champions League, with a clash against Manchester City looming just three days later. The loss of Odegaard, who has been pivotal in Arsenal’s midfield, could significantly impact the team’s performance in these critical games.
Arsenal’s midfield resources are already stretched thin due to recent injuries and suspensions. Declan Rice, another key midfielder, is set to miss upcoming matches after receiving a red card in Arsenal’s last Premier League game against Brighton.
Additionally, Mikel Merino, who was expected to bolster the squad, faces a lengthy delay before making his debut after suffering a shoulder injury during training. This leaves Arteta with limited options in midfield, making Odegaard’s potential absence even more concerning.
As Odegaard undergoes further assessment in London, Arsenal will be anxiously awaiting the results of the MRI scan. The club hopes for a positive outcome that could see their captain return to action sooner rather than later, with a crucial period of games on the horizon.
