Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has sustained an ankle injury while playing for Norway on international duty, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, which is considered Arsenalโs most significant match of the season so far.
As of now, the midfielderโs participation in the game remains uncertain, and his absence would be a major setback for the Gunners.
Odegaard has been a crucial figure in Arsenalโs midfield over the last two seasons, serving as the teamโs creative engine and playing a vital role in their back-to-back challenges for the Premier League title.
His injury has understandably caused worry among Arsenal supporters, who fear that their key playmaker could be sidelined for an extended period. However, there has been a recent update from a medical professional that has given fans a glimmer of hope regarding his condition.
Dr. Rajpal Brar, a physical therapy specialist, provided an assessment on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), noting that while Odegaard is currently using lofstrand crutches to reduce the weight placed on his injured ankle, he is not wearing a protective boot, which may suggest that the injury is less severe.
Brar also observed that Odegaard was not wearing a normal shoe, likely due to swelling around the injured area. The fact that Odegaard appeared to navigate a flight of stairs without using his crutches is a positive sign, though Dr. Brar emphasized that it is still too early to determine the exact severity of the injury. Further information is needed to make a more precise assessment.
Despite this relatively optimistic update, the uncertainty surrounding Odegaardโs fitness remains a major concern for Arsenal, particularly with two other key midfielders already unavailable for the derby against Tottenham.
Declan Rice, one of Arsenalโs star midfielders, is suspended for the match after receiving a red card in the previous fixture against Brighton. Additionally, Mikel Merino, a recent signing for the club, is set to miss several weeks after suffering a shoulder injury in training, and he has yet to make his debut for the Gunners.
These developments present a significant challenge for Arsenal as they prepare to face their North London rivals. The Gunners have made a strong start to the season with two wins and a draw in their first three matches.
However, they will need to rely on their squad depth and resilience in the face of these injuries and suspensions.
As Arsenal also has a demanding schedule ahead, including trips to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Manchester Cityโs Etihad Stadium, manager Mikel Arteta will be hoping to have his strongest squad available as soon as possible to maintain their momentum in the league.
Artetaโs strategy and selection will be crucial in navigating these challenges and ensuring that Arsenal continues to perform at a high level despite these setbacks.
The availability of Odegaard and other key players in the coming weeks could be decisive for the Gunners as they aim to stay competitive in the race for th
e Premier League title.