Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is facing a potential lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a right ankle injury during Norway’s Nations League victory over Austria. The injury was deemed serious enough for Ødegaard to require crutches and further scans upon his return to London. The Norwegian team doctor has indicated that such ankle injuries typically take at least three weeks to recover from, with the possibility of it taking even longer.
With the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur looming, Arsenal will have to navigate this crucial fixture without Ødegaard in their lineup. This absence poses a significant challenge for head coach Mikel Arteta, especially considering the suspension of midfielder Declan Rice and the injury to new signing Mikel Merino. Ødegaard’s importance to the team is evident, as he has been a consistent presence in the Arsenal lineup over the past few seasons.
The key to Ødegaard’s return will lie in his response to the rehabilitation process in the coming weeks. The team doctor has outlined a careful approach to his recovery, starting with gentle exercises on the bike and gradually increasing the intensity based on his pain tolerance. It is crucial for Ødegaard to listen to his body and not rush the recovery process to avoid any setbacks.
Upcoming Fixtures
Following the match against Tottenham, Arsenal are set to kick off their Champions League campaign against Atalanta. The absence of Ødegaard could have a significant impact on how Arsenal performs in these crucial fixtures, as his creativity and influence on the field will be sorely missed. It will be up to Arteta and the rest of the team to step up in his absence and adapt their gameplay accordingly.
Arsenal will have to cope with the potential loss of their captain Martin Ødegaard for an extended period due to his ankle injury. The impact of his absence will be felt in key fixtures such as the north London derby and the start of their Champions League campaign. The team will need to come together and find ways to compensate for Ødegaard’s absence in order to continue their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions.
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