The Norwegian team doctor has revealed disturbing reports concerning Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard injury, saying he could face several weeks on the sidelines after injuring his right ankle during Norway's Nations League victory against Austria on Monday.
The Arsenal forward, who hobbled off the pitch, was photographed using crutches as he boarded a plane back to London where he underwent further scans to reveal the extent of the injury.
Meanwhile Arsenal is to face north London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, in the Premier League on Sunday when they will also be without midfielder Declan Rice who is suspended after he was given a red card from his previous match.
According to Medic Ola Sand when asked, said: "Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer."
"Ankle injuries are very painful right away. With Martin, it was extremely painful. He became very worried.
"What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle. In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus," medic Ola Sand said.
Sand gave his most sincere recommendations, stating that Odegaard’s response to rehab in the next couple of weeks should be priority.
"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."
Furthermore, transfer Market expert, Fabrizio Romano, posted on X (formerly twitter), confirming the situation regarding Odegaard’s injury.
“Arsenal Medical staff, immediately in contact with Norway staff about Martin Odegaard Injury. Get well soon, Martin.”
Meanwhile, Austria and RB Leipzig star Christoph Baumgartner have issued a public apology to Martin Odegaard.
The Norway and Arsenal captain Odegaard was forced out after sustaining an injury on international duty on Monday due to a tackle from Baumgartner.
Baumgartner wrote on his Instagram story “Hi guys! I would like to sincerely apologize to Martin Odegaard.”
“It was never my intention to injure this fantastic player. I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery! Come back stronger,” he added.
Under Coach Mikel Arteta, Odegaard has risen to become a fascinating figure at Arsenal, having missed only a handful of Premier League games in the last three seasons, a lengthy absence would heavily impact Arteta as well as the rest of team especially after the recent signing of Mikel Merino who is also out with a fractured shoulder.
After the scheduled clash with Tottenham, Arsenal will begin their Champions League campaign against Atalanta, next Thursday.
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