Wed Sep 18 18:23:00 UTC 2024: ## Arsenal Captain Odegaard Out For “A While” With Significant Ankle Injury

**London, England -** Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard will be sidelined for an extended period after suffering a significant ankle injury while playing for Norway last week. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the news on Wednesday, revealing the extent of the damage sustained during Norway’s Nations League victory over Austria.

The 25-year-old midfielder, who hobbled off the pitch in Oslo and returned to London on crutches, missed Sunday’s North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. Arteta expressed concern about the injury, stating, “The scans showed that he’s got some damage especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle. It’s something quite significant so we’re going to lose him for a while.”

While Arteta hopes Odegaard’s absence won’t extend into months, the severity of the injury remains a concern. The Norwegian midfielder has been a vital player for Arsenal, featuring in all but a handful of games over the past three seasons.

“He’s our captain. He’s been one of the biggest and best players in our team,” Arteta said. “Our identity is very linked to how he plays and behaves. It’s a big test for the team to see how able we are to show a different face.”

Norway manager Stale Solbakken expressed his disappointment, telling VG newspaper that he had been fully updated on the injury and was preparing for a life without Odegaard.

Odegaard’s absence will undoubtedly be a blow to Arsenal, who are currently second in the Premier League. They will face the challenge of navigating the early stages of the Champions League campaign without their captain, starting with their opening game against Atalanta in Bergamo on Thursday.

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