Norwegian NT doctor issues update on Odegaard injury

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set to miss out on at least three weeks worth of action, following his injury in Norway's Nations League match against Austria.  The midfielder was forced out of the pitch 67 minutes into the game, limping off with tears in his eyes.

Whilst Odegaard appears to have avoided breaking his ankle, Norway's team doctor points to a spell that would see the 25-year-old sidelined for the month of September at least. "Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks," he told Norwegian outlet 'VG sporten'. "Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer". The doctor's words are far from reassuring to the Arsenal squad and supporters, who will expect their captain to miss out on the showdown against city rivals Tottenham - the North London Derby - on Sunday. 

"He has had it (ankle injuries) before,' he added. 'It is always a bit difficult to interpret an MR image when you have had an old injury. But Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach. But this may still take some time". "His response to the rehabilitation in the next few weeks is the most important. It will start carefully on the bike, carefully in relation to what he can tolerate from pain. Then you take it gradually," explained the Norwegian doctor.

As well as the Spurs fixture, Odegaard is set to face exclusion from other crucial clashes, such as the Premier League game against Man City, along with the Champions League ties with Atalanta and PSG.

 

September 11, 2024