Martin Ødegaard’s injury, picked up on international duty, comes at a bad time for Arsenal.
They take on arch-rivals Tottenham at the weekend, having just dropped points against Brighton. Failure to win against Spurs could lead to Arsenal losing further ground in the title race very early in the season.
After initial optimism that the midfielder could play against Tottenham, there’s now concern Ødegaard may just just miss facing Ange Postecoglou’s side but also matches after that.
Norway national team doctor Ola Sand has today spoken to VG about the injury and has said, from his opion having seen the player and had experienced of similar situation, that he could be facing three weeks out or even longer.
Ole Sand explained: “Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer.”
VG are quite sure that the midfielder will miss the upcoming Champions League game and the crucial tie against Manchester City too.
He could also miss the international break in October, when Norway lock horns with Slovenia and Austria.
National team boss Ståle Solbakken has also spoken to the outlet about Ødegaard’s injury, and talked about his worry the player will miss the October international break.
“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 eleven under me.”
Worrying times for Arsenal and Norway, with both club and country having big objectives this season and needing Ødegaard to help them with those.
