Arsenal offered new hope over Martin Odegaard injury return by Norway manager

Arsenal have been offered hope that Martin Odegaard could return in a month.

The Gunners are fearful of losing their captain for several weeks after confirmation on Wednesday from manager Mikel Arteta of “significant” ligament damage picked up while on Norway duty earlier this month.

However, Norway manager Stale Solbakken has told Norwegian outlet NRK: “We are preparing with a plan with Martin and one without.”

It gives the Gunners possible hope that Odegaard could be close to a return to action inside four weeks, given Norway’s next matches are scheduled for October 10 and October 13.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has stated fears his captain would be absent “for a while”, telling reporters: “After everything was scanned, the scan showed he has got some damage, especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle.

“We are going to miss him. I don’t want to [give a timeline] because I am not a doctor but yes, it is something quite significant so we are going to lose him for a while. Hopefully not months, but let’s see.”

Arsenal begin their Champions League campaign in Bergamo on Thursday away to Atalanta, who last season won the Europa League with victory in the final against Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen.