Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is reportedly on his way back to London after picking up a very worrying-looking injury whilst on international duty with Norway.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder is a crucial player for Mikel Arteta’s side, and they won’t want to be without him for long, while they also really could have done with having him available for this weekend’s big game away to rivals Tottenham in the North London Derby.
Odegaard had to go off in Norway’s last game due to an ankle injury, and Jan Age Fjortoft has provided his latest information on the player’s situation as he heads back to London for further tests, though the accompanying image of him on crutches certainly doesn’t look too optimistic…
Martin Ødegaard on his way back to London right now
He will do the different tests in London later today (says the Norwegian doctor) pic.twitter.com/rz9xcqoti2
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft ?? (@JanAageFjortoft) September 10, 2024
Odegaard is one of Arsenal’s most important players, and fans will no doubt be hugely worried and frustrated by the fact that this has happened so early on in the season, especially when they’re already without the suspended Declan Rice in midfield for the trip to Spurs this Sunday.
Added to that, Mikel Merino joined to bolster Arsenal’s midfield options this summer, but got injured in training almost straight after finalising his switch from Real Sociedad.
This leaves Arsenal looking extremely light in midfield for this weekend’s big derby game, and it remains to be seen how Arteta can possibly reshuffle his side and still have a decent chance of winning such a difficult game.
Kai Havertz moving into midfield could work, but he tends to play better up front, and it still leaves AFC relying on Jorginho coming in for his first competitive appearance of the season.
Leandro Trossard can also drop back into midfield, but is probably needed on that left-hand side of the front three after a dip in form from Gabriel Martinelli in recent months, though loan signing Raheem Sterling can also start on that side ahead of the Brazilian.