Martin Odegaard injury: Norway doctor reveals assessment as Arsenal star returns to London on crutches

Martin Odegaard will today return to Arsenal for further assessment on an ankle injury.

The 25-year-old had to be helped off the pitch during Norway’s Nations League match against Austria on Monday, sparking fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Odegaard’s ankle twisted as he was challenged for the ball and he was forced to immediately come off, with Norway manager Stale Solbakken admitting after the match that the injury “looked bad”.

The midfielder was pictured on crutches on Tuesday morning, as he boarded a private jet in Oslo back to London.

Norway doctor Ola Sand has confirmed that scans will be conducted by Arsenal to determine the severity of Odegaard’s ankle issue.

“He is on his way to London and will have an MRI there later today,” Sand told VG.

When asked for an initial assessment, Sand said: “Nothing but a strong overstepping and that we await what Arsenal find.”

The Gunners will be nervously waiting for answers, ahead of what is a pivotal run of fixtures after the international break.

Mikel Arteta’s side return to action with a north London derby away to Tottenham, before travelling to face Atalanta in the Champions League and then Manchester City only three days later.

Arsenal are already short of midfield options, with Declan Rice suspended after his red card against Brighton, and Mikel Merino facing a lengthy wait to make his debut having suffered a shoulder injury in training.