Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is scheduled for an MRI scan to assess the severity of an ankle injury he sustained during Norway’s Nations League match against Austria on Monday.
The 25-year-old midfielder had to exit the game after twisting his ankle in a challenge, raising concerns about a potential extended absence.
Norway manager Stale Solbakken described the injury as “looking bad” after the match.
The following morning, Odegaard was seen using crutches before taking a private jet from Oslo to London.
He returned to London for further medical evaluations, where Arsenal’s medical team will perform scans to determine the full extent of the injury.
Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, confirmed that Odegaard would undergo an MRI at Arsenal’s facilities later in the day.
Sand told Norwegian media outlet VG, “He is on his way to London and will have an MRI there later today.”
When asked for an initial assessment, Sand provided minimal information, saying, “Nothing beyond a strong overstepping; we are awaiting Arsenal’s findings.”
The lack of detailed information has left Arsenal fans and management anxious as they await the scan results.
The timing of the injury is particularly challenging for Arsenal, who are gearing up for a critical stretch of matches after the international break.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s team faces a demanding schedule, beginning with a high-profile north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
They will then travel to Italy to play Atalanta in the Champions League, with a match against Manchester City scheduled just three days later.
The possible absence of Odegaard, a crucial player in Arsenal’s midfield, could significantly affect their performance in these key fixtures.
Arsenal’s midfield options are already constrained due to recent injuries and suspensions.
Declan Rice, another key midfielder, will be sidelined after his red card in Arsenal’s last Premier League match against Brighton.
Additionally, Mikel Merino, who was expected to bolster the squad, is facing a considerable delay in his debut due to a shoulder injury sustained during training.
This leaves Mikel Arteta with limited midfield options, making Odegaard’s potential absence even more concerning.
As Odegaard undergoes further testing in London, Arsenal is anxiously awaiting the MRI results, hoping for a favorable outcome that will enable their captain to return to the field soon, especially with a crucial series of games approaching.
