Arsenal's preparations for the highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow.
On September 9, 2024, during Norway’s 2-1 victory over Austria in a UEFA Nations League fixture, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard suffered a concerning ankle injury.
The 25-year-old midfielder twisted his left ankle under a challenge from Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner and was forced to leave the pitch in visible pain.
Ødegaard, who has been pivotal to Arsenal's recent successes, was helped off by two trainers, raising immediate concerns about his availability for the upcoming clash against Spurs.
Norway’s national team doctor, Ola Sand, provided an update post-match, stating, "Martin is doing quite well now. He got a small ankle sprain. We will see throughout the evening and tomorrow what happens next and what we will do about it."
Despite the initial diagnosis suggesting a minor sprain, the uncertainty surrounding Ødegaard's condition leaves Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in a precarious position.
The injury comes at a critical time, with Arsenal already set to miss Declan Rice due to suspension following his red card in the 1-1 draw against Brighton on August 31, 2024.
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