By Martin Graham | tenth Sep 2024
Arsenal’s captain Martin Odegaard faces the prospect of a major spell on the sidelines following an ankle harm sustained whereas enjoying for Norway of their 2-1 victory over Austria within the Nations League on Monday. The 25-year-old midfielder was compelled to depart the match within the second half after an ungainly problem from Austrian participant Christoph Baumgartner precipitated his ankle to twist unnaturally throughout a battle for the ball.
Odegaard obtained on-pitch medical consideration for a number of minutes earlier than being substituted. Norway’s head coach, Stale Solbakken, expressed concern over the harm after the sport, noting the severity of what seemed to be an ankle sprain. “It didn’t look good within the dressing room both,” Solbakken admitted. “He was surrounded by physiotherapists, and it was clear he couldn’t proceed. We consider it’s a sprain, and with some luck, the ligaments may not be torn.”
Norway medical crew to conduct additional evaluation
Norway’s crew physician, Ola Sand, additionally offered an replace, explaining the problem in figuring out the complete extent of Odegaard’s harm straight away. “It seems to be a light ankle sprain, however we have to observe the way it develops over the following 24 hours,” Sand defined. “We’ll assess him additional tonight and probably use ultrasound to get a clearer concept. If wanted, an MRI scan might be accomplished tomorrow.”
The uncertainty surrounding Odegaard’s situation leaves each Norway and Arsenal anxious as they await the outcomes of those assessments. Sand emphasised that ankle sprains can range in restoration time, relying on the severity, and it’s too quickly to say whether or not Odegaard will want an prolonged break from soccer.
Arsenal dealing with key matches with out captain and different stars
Odegaard’s harm comes at a crucial second for Arsenal, with a sequence of difficult fixtures looming. They face Tottenham Hotspur within the north London derby this Sunday, adopted by essential away video games in opposition to Atalanta within the Champions League and Manchester Metropolis within the Premier League.
Including to Arsenal’s woes, they’re already set to be with out one other key participant, Declan Rice, who’s suspended for the Spurs conflict. Moreover, summer time signing Mikel Merino stays sidelined with a shoulder harm. Odegaard’s potential absence is a major blow to Mikel Arteta’s squad, which might want to adapt rapidly as they put together for a difficult few weeks forward.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports activities author
