Martin Odegaard injury: Arsenal suffer major scare ahead of Tottenham derby clash
Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of captain Martin Odegaard ahead of Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham.
Odegaard was forced off against Austria on Monday while playing for Norway in the Nations League, immediately throwing his involvement in the huge weekend clash into doubt.
After tussling for the ball with Christoph Baumgartner, Odegaard collapsed to the pitch clutching his left ankle.
Odegaard appeared in agony as he received medical attention and had to be helped from the pitch.
The injury scare leaves Gunners boss Mikel Arteta with real concern over over his skipper six days out from their biggest game of the season so far.
After the short trip across north London, the Gunners then face a daunting trip to Europa League winners Atalanta in their first Champions League game.
Then, four days later, they travel to the Etihad Stadium for a huge title clash with Manchester City.
Worrying scenes at Ullevaal Stadium. Seems that our captain Martin Ødegaard twisted his ankle. Just had to leave the pitch unfortunately … pic.twitter.com/JEPoT0KUi8
— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) September 9, 2024
Odegaard’s suspected twisted ankle was not the only injury scare the Gunners have suffered during the international break.
Summer signing Riccard Calafiori suffered a painful knock to his calf from France’s Ousmane Dembele. He has returned to the Gunners for further evaluation.
Arsenal have already lost ground on reigning champions Manchester City after being held to a 1-1 draw with Brighton ahead of the international break.