Arsenal’s preparations for the highly anticipated North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a significant blow as their captain, Martin Odegaard, is now a major doubt for Sunday’s clash. The midfielder was seen on crutches while boarding a plane to London, following an ankle injury he sustained during Norway’s Nations League match against Austria on Monday night in Oslo. Odegaard had to be substituted in the second half, leaving fans and Arsenal management anxiously awaiting updates on his condition.
The Injury Blow in Oslo
The incident occurred during the second half of Norway’s 2-1 victory over Austria. It was immediately clear that the injury was serious, as Odegaard lay on the pitch, visibly in pain.
Norway went on to secure the victory without him, but the sight of their captain being forced to leave the field cast a shadow over the celebrations. Post-match reports confirmed that Odegaard’s ankle had turned awkwardly during the challenge, causing a strain that made it impossible for him to continue.
A Crucial Player for Arsenal
Since joining the club, initially on loan from Real Madrid in January 2021 before making the move permanent, Martin Odegaard has blossomed into one of the Premier League’s standout performers. His creative vision, leadership on the pitch, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game have made him a linchpin in Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup.
This season, Odegaard has continued his excellent form, contributing goals and assists while wearing the captain’s armband with distinction. Arsenal, who have ambitions of challenging for the Premier League title, will be hoping that their influential playmaker can recover in time for the derby.
Both Arsenal and Tottenham are in good form, and the outcome of Sunday’s match could have a significant impact on the early stages of the season.
Concerns for the North London Derby
Odegaard was photographed using crutches to board a flight back to London, sparking fears that he could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines. Initial reports from Norway have suggested that the injury is being assessed, but the exact severity remains unclear.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping that Odegaard’s injury is not as serious as it initially appeared. However, the sight of the captain on crutches has raised significant doubts about his availability for the derby. Losing Odegaard would be a huge blow to Arsenal’s chances, as his creativity and leadership are vital, especially in high-pressure matches such as this one.
Arteta faces a tricky decision regarding Odegaard’s fitness. While it is tempting to rush him back for such an important match, there is also the risk of aggravating the injury further.
Arsenal’s Midfield Options
Arsenal will need to reshuffle their midfield. Emile Smith Rowe, could be called upon to fill the void left by the Norwegian. Smith Rowe has shown his potential in the past but has had limited playing time this season due to injury and competition for places.
Alternatively, Arteta could opt for Fabio Vieira, the Portuguese midfielder who joined the Gunners in the summer of 2022. Vieira has had a mixed start to his Arsenal career but has the technical ability to influence the game in Odegaard’s absence. The club also has Declan Rice and Kai Havertz, who could offer a more physical presence in the midfield, though neither has the same playmaking ability as Odegaard.
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