Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has refused to rule captain Martin Odegaard out of Sunday’s north London derby regardless of the midfielder selecting up a brutal ankle damage on worldwide responsibility with Norway.
Alarm bells started to ring for Arsenal followers after it was reported that the midfielder had sustained a severe damage throughout Norway’s conflict with Austria. He limped off the pitch in the course of the sport and flew again to London to bear additional scans.
Recognized with a minimum of a sprained ankle, Odegaard was given a minimal of three weeks to recuperate by Norway’s group physician, suggesting that he would miss the subsequent month of Premier League fixtures.
Nonetheless, Arteta has refused to rule out the Gunners captain for Sunday’s conflict with Tottenham Hotspur, stating that the group should ‘wait and see’.
“We’d like some extra exams so let’s have a look at what occurs within the subsequent day or so,” he instructed reporters. “This afternoon most likely, and see what occurs with the extent of the damage and the way shortly we will get him again.
“He’s tremendous optimistic about the whole lot, we all know Martin, he desires to be there each single day, however we’ve got to attend and see. With 48 hours till the sport, gamers may at all times turn into out there, however let’s have a look at what occurs.”
The Gunners will likely be with out fellow midfielder Declan Rice on Sunday after the England worldwide was proven a controversial crimson card throughout Arsenal’s draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.
New summer time signing Riccardo Calafiori might also miss out after selecting up a calf damage on worldwide responsibility with Italy. Arteta refused to rule out the defender, however confirmed that the membership want time earlier than deciding if he will likely be slot in time to face Spurs.
Deadline day addition Raheem Sterling may make his debut on Sunday after switching from west to north London on the finish of the summer time switch window.
Arteta continued: “[Sterling] seems to be nice. Initially as a result of he has an enormous smile on his face, quite a lot of power. He is at it and he desires to show a degree.”
