Norway doctor says Ødegaard injury will sideline him for 3+ weeks | OneFootball

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is set to miss at least three weeks of action after sustaining an ankle injury during Norway’s Nations League match against Austria, a development confirmed by Norway’s national team doctor, Ola Sand.

While initial scans suggest there is no fracture, the injury threatens to sideline the midfielder for several crucial Arsenal fixtures, including the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur and their Champions League opener next week.

MUNICH, GERMANY: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal looks dejected after the team’s defeat and elimination from the UEFA Champions League during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg match between FC Bayern München and Arsenal FC at Allianz Arena on April 17, 2024. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Ødegaard, who was injured an hour into Norway’s 2-1 victory over Austria on Monday, attempted to continue but was eventually forced off. Following his return to London for further assessments, Dr Sand provided an update: “Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer,” he told VG.

This diagnosis means that Ødegaard will certainly miss Sunday’s derby against Tottenham and next week’s Champions League clash.

Furthermore, his availability for Arsenal’s match against Manchester City on 22 September remains in doubt. The national team doctor did not rule out a more extended recovery period, adding that if there had been a fracture, Ødegaard would have faced at least six weeks out.

Dr Sand emphasised that the extent of Ødegaard’s recovery will depend on how quickly he responds to rehabilitation in the coming weeks. “Regardless of the MRI images, 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,” Sand explained.

While the initial MRI scans were said to be reassuring, past ankle issues complicate the situation. Ødegaard has dealt with similar injuries before, and his recovery time could be influenced by this previous history. Sand recalled a 2021 incident where Ødegaard injured his ankle playing for Norway against Gibraltar and returned to action after 17 days.

Ødegaard’s absence comes at a critical time for Mikel Arteta’s side, who are entering a stretch of pivotal fixtures. Arsenal’s midfield will already be weakened by the suspension of Declan Rice for the Tottenham match, and Ødegaard’s creativity and leadership will be sorely missed as they contend with a gruelling schedule.

The 25-year-old has been in excellent form this season, helping Arsenal to maintain their place near the top of the Premier League.

Despite the grim outlook, Sand noted that Ødegaard remains hopeful of a swift recovery. However, both the player and the club will need to be cautious, ensuring he does not rush back and risk further aggravation.