Arsenal fears grow over Martin Odegaard injury after he’s spotted with crutches on return to London

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Arsenal are waiting to learn the extent of Martin Odegaard’s injury after being hurt on international duty. 

The Gunners captain left North London carrying a knock before the international break, however, went on to represent Norway.

The midfielder featured in both of Norway’s Nations League games, despite coach Stale Solbakken admitting that Odegaard was carrying an injury. 

Still, the 25-year-old played for his country as Arsenal’s nightmares came true during his nation’s win over Austria when Odegaard left the pitch in agony. 

• READ MORE: What Arsenal’s medical team did ‘immediately’ after seeing Martin Odegaard’s nasty injury

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard spotted on crutches

Mikel Arteta’s prized playmaker twisted his ankle in what looked like a gruelling injury, seeing rumours fly over the severity of the blow. 

Norway’s medical team diagnosed Odegaard’s injury as a ‘small ankle sprain’, with their early assessment evaluated by several analysts.

• READ MORE: Injury experts deliver honest Martin Odegaard verdict as Arsenal fear worst before Tottenham clash

Odegaard is set to travel back to London to undergo further tests to figure out the extent of his injury, with an MRI scheduled on his return to England. 

Arsenal’s anxiety continues to grow ahead of the North London derby, with matters made worse with the latest update from Norway.

Norwegian outlet VG shared images of Odegaard boarding a flight to London on crutches, as the midfielder avoided putting any weight on his injured ankle. 

VG detailed that the Arsenal captain ‘limped’ onto the plane in Oslo, being helped up the steps as an assistant held his crutches to allow the 25-year-old to support himself.

Added to the update is that the playmaker had ‘one shoe on’ and had to go backwards onto the plane in order to avoid standing on both feet.

Mikel Arteta has to plan without Odegaard

While the measures are expected considering the mechanism of Odegaard’s injury, as well as the fact that the incident happened less than 24 hours ago, it’s worrying for Arsenal. 

• READ MORE: The three players who could now replace Martin Odegaard in North London Derby vs Tottenham

In North London, Arteta must start to plan for the trip to Tottenham without his captain, with plenty of decisions to make over squad selection.

It’s a difficult time for Arsenal so early into the season, with Arteta’s adaptability set to be put to the ultimate test.