Arsenal handed Martin Odegaard injury boost after Norway scare

Arsenal have received positive news on Martin Odegaard after Norway doctor Ola Sand revealed the Gunners captain has likely avoided fracturing his ankle.

Odegaard injured his ankle on Monday night playing for Norway during their 2-1 win over Austria.

The midfielder had to be helped off the pitch and he was photographed boarding his flight from Norway on Tuesday with the aid of crutches.

Odegaard was assessed by Arsenal on Tuesday and he is due to undergo another scan on Wednesday.

The initial diagnosis appears to be positive, however, with Norway doctor Sand explaining how the 25-year-old has avoided a fracture.

Arsenal will be hoping for good news as they face a crucial run of games now.

After facing Spurs on Sunday, they travel to Atalanta for their Champions League opener next Thursday before a trip to champions Manchester City the following Sunday.

“What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle,” Sand told Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang.

“Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer.

“Both Stale [Solbakken] and I know that that collection hangs in the balance. It is not excluded. But we have to wait and see both what the MRI images show and how quickly he responds to treatment.

“Ankle injuries are very painful right away. With Martin, it was extremely painful. He became very worried.

“They are studying the MRI images now, and have sent them on. In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus.”