Arsenal have received news of Martin Odegaard’s injury timeframe from Norway national team doctor Ola Sand.
The international break has been a nightmare for Mikel Arteta’s side, with two players injured on duty for their nations.
Riccardo Calafiori returned to London after suffering a knock for Italy against France, putting his involvement in the upcoming North London derby in jeopardy.
Arsenal are perhaps more concerned about the fitness of club captain Martin Odegaard, who was badly hurt in Norway’s Nations League win over Austria.
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Arsenal receive Martin Odegaard injury timeframe in fresh update
Arsenal’s fears came true when Odegaard was injured by Christoph Baumgartner, who later apologised for unintentionally hurting the midfielder.
The Gunners skipper limped off the pitch and returned to London on crutches, adding extra anxiety to the situation.
Several rumours have been flying around regarding the possible timeframe of the 25-year-old’s injury, with one outlet suggesting Odegaard could be out for a month.
Now, an update has been provided by Norway doctor Ola Sand, who has handed Arteta a dismal possible timeframe for the playmaker’s absence.
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Speaking to Norweigan outlet VG, Sand admitted that Odegaard could be facing ‘at least three weeks’ out of action.
“Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer.”
Sand went on to share that the Arsenal captain was ‘very worried’ due to the pain he was in after sustaining the injury to his ankle.
“Ankle injuries are very painful right away. With Martin, it was extremely painful. He became very worried.”
Doctor explains results of Odegaard’s scan
There was however some positive to Sand’s update, with the early understanding that the injury is not too sinister.
Odegaard underwent an MRI scan in London, with the Norweigan doctor sharing the news that there is ‘probably no fracture’.
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“What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle.”
Sand explained that Odegaard could have been facing more than six weeks out if he had suffered a break in his ankle, which would have been even more of a nightmare for Arsenal.
“In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus.”
Arsenal are yet to announce how long Odegaard will officially be out, with the early prognosis being an absence of around three weeks.
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