Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is in tears following another important Arsenal’s key player, who was supposed to play a crucial part against Tottenham, is now injured and could be sidelined for a few weeks again.

Arsenal is preparing for a challenging few weeks as their captain, Martin Ødegaard, will be sidelined for the next three weeks due to an ankle injury. Ødegaard picked up the injury while representing Norway in a recent match against Austria, leaving the club without their influential midfielder for key Premier League fixtures, including crucial matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Initially, there was hope within Arsenal that the injury was not serious. However, concerns escalated when images surfaced of Ødegaard using crutches, indicating that the pain and injury were more severe than first thought.

Recent updates have shed light on the extent of the injury, and while it’s not as grave as feared, it remains a setback. Ødegaard underwent a scan that revealed no fractures in his ankle, which is positive news for Arsenal. However, despite this encouraging result, he is still expected to be out of action for around three weeks while his ankle heals.

Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, provided further clarity on Ødegaard’s condition, explaining that ankle injuries of this nature typically require a minimum of three weeks to recover. He cautioned, “Anything other than that is just a bonus, and it can take longer.” While the MRI scan results are promising, Dr. Sand also noted the complexity of interpreting such scans, particularly when there has been a prior injury in the same area. In Ødegaard’s case, despite the lack of a fracture, healing will still take time. He warned that had there been a fracture, the recovery period could have stretched to six weeks or more.

For Arsenal, Ødegaard’s absence is a significant blow, given his pivotal role in the team. As both a creative force and a leader, his presence on the pitch has been instrumental in the club’s recent performances. Missing him for key matches, especially against top rivals like Tottenham and Manchester City, adds pressure on the rest of the squad to step up and fill the void.

Despite the setback, there is relief in knowing that Ødegaard’s injury is not as severe as it could have been. With no fracture and a relatively short recovery window of around three weeks, there is optimism that the midfielder will return to action sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, Arsenal will need to rely on their other midfield options to compensate for Ødegaard’s absence. Players like Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, and Jorginho will likely see increased opportunities to prove themselves in the upcoming matches. These players will be crucial in helping Arsenal maintain their form and competitiveness during this critical period.

The ability of Arsenal’s squad to adapt to this challenge will be a key test of their depth and resilience. With tough fixtures on the horizon, the team must rise to the occasion and ensure that Ødegaard’s absence does not derail their momentum in the Premier League. Fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery and Ødegaard’s swift return to help drive Arsenal’s push for success this season.