Odegaard Injury Sidelines Him Out For Three Weeks

Martin Odegaard, Arsenal’s captain, suffered an ankle injury while playing for Norway in a UEFA Nations League match against Austria. Here’s the latest on his condition and potential impact on upcoming Arsenal matches:

• Injury Details: Odegaard injured his ankle during the game, which initially raised concerns about a possible fracture. However, subsequent assessments, including MRI scans, have indicated that he likely avoided a fracture. The injury has been described as a “small ankle sprain” by Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand.
• Recovery Timeline: According to various updates, Odegaard is expected to be out of action for at least three weeks. This estimation comes from Norway’s team doctor, suggesting that his return might coincide with or just after Arsenal’s challenging fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur, Atalanta (Champions League), and Manchester City.
• Impact on Arsenal: This injury comes at a critical time for Arsenal, with significant matches lined up. Odegaard’s absence means Arsenal will be without one of their key creative forces and leaders on the pitch. The team might need to adapt their strategy, potentially relying on players like Kai Havertz or Bukayo Saka in more central roles, or even deploying less conventional options due to limited midfield depth following the departures of Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira.
• Availability for Key Matches: Given the three-week timeline, Odegaard is almost certainly set to miss the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur and might also miss the Champions League match against Atalanta. His availability for the game against Manchester City remains uncertain but leans towards him being doubtful.
• Arsenal’s Response: Manager Mikel Arteta will need to manage his squad carefully. The absence of Odegaard alongside other midfield issues means Arsenal might see tactical adjustments or the introduction of less experienced players like Ethan Nwaneri, though the latter seems unlikely for such critical games.

This injury not only affects Arsenal’s immediate strategy but also puts pressure on their squad depth and Arteta’s managerial decisions in the coming weeks. The hope within the Arsenal camp is that Odegaard’s recovery progresses well, potentially allowing him to return sooner rather than later, especially with an eye on maintaining their title challenge.