Arsenal have been hit with a potentially devastating setback just days before their crucial derby against Tottenham.
The problem comes as a result of an injury to Martin Ødegaard while on international duty with Norway.
Injury on Norway Duty
Ødegaard suffered an ankle injury following a slide tackle from Christoph Baumgartner during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Austria on Monday night.
The playmaker was visibly in distress as he was helped off the field after 67 minutes of play.
The sight of him writhing in pain and needing support from two physios was troubling for fans and teammates alike.
Teammates Offer Support
Erling Haaland, who scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute, was among the Norway squad members who consoled Ødegaard, offering comforting pats on the back as he limped away from the pitch.
Assessing the Injury
Norway’s head coach, Stale Solbakken, commented on the severity of the injury, saying it looked quite serious in the dressing room.
The national team’s doctor, Ola Sand, reported that Ødegaard sustained a small ankle sprain.
He mentioned the possibility of using ultrasound to evaluate the injury further, with an MRI scheduled if there is any uncertainty.
Potential Impact on Arsenal
The timing of the injury is particularly problematic for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
With Declan Rice suspended due to a controversial red card against Brighton and £33 million summer signing Mikel Merino sidelined with a fractured shoulder, Arteta may be left with limited options.
This could force him to rely on Thomas Partey and Jorginho for the midfield battle against Spurs.
Broader Injury Concerns
Arsenal’s injury woes don’t stop with Ødegaard. Left-back Riccardo Calafiori, who was signed for £42 million, has also been affected by an unusual injury.
Calafiori sustained an ankle injury after an accidental clash with Ousmane Dembélé during a challenge with Alessandro Bastoni, leading to his departure from Italy’s international camp.
Upcoming Challenges
Currently, Arsenal sit fourth in the league with two wins and a draw, while Tottenham have earned four points from their three matches.
Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures include a trip to Manchester City, a Champions League clash against Atalanta, and a game against Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Cup.
After narrowly missing out on the league title to Manchester City for two consecutive seasons, the timing of this injury crisis couldn’t be worse for Arteta.
Fan Reactions
Fans are expressing their frustration and concern on social media.
Comments range from dismay over the severity of Ødegaard’s injury to worries about how the team will cope with such significant absences in the midfield.
The road ahead looks challenging for Arsenal, and fans are left wondering how the team will navigate this difficult period.