Arsenal are anxiously awaiting news on the severity of an ankle injury suffered by captain Martin Ødegaard during Norway's UEFA Nations League match against Austria. The attacking midfielder limped off midway through the second half, casting a shadow over the Gunners' upcoming fixtures, including the crucial North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.
Ødegaard appeared to twist his left ankle awkwardly as he was challenged for the ball. He required the attention of physios before leaving the pitch to receive further treatment. The incident occurred while Norway were leading 1-1, but they ultimately went on to secure a 2-1 victory with Erling Haaland scoring the winning goal in the 80th minute.
Impact on Arsenal's Season
The timing of Ødegaard's injury is particularly unfortunate for Arsenal, who are already facing a crucial run of fixtures. The Gunners travel to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, followed by a Champions League trip to Atalanta in Italy, and then a showdown at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City on September 22.
Mikel Arteta's side is already without Declan Rice, who is suspended for the Tottenham match after being red-carded against Brighton & Hove Albion, and Mikel Merino, who suffered a shoulder injury during his first training session after signing from Real Sociedad. The injury situation is further compounded by concerns over defender Riccardo Calafiori, who sustained a calf injury while playing for Italy last week, and striker Gabriel Jesus, who has missed the past two matchweeks due to a groin injury.
Ødegaard's Significance
Ødegaard's absence would be a significant blow to Arsenal's midfield, particularly for the North London derby against Spurs. The Norwegian midfielder has been a key figure for the Gunners since joining in January 2021, proving his importance in their recent success. When he starts, Arsenal has a win percentage of 66.4% in the Premier League, compared to 52.6% in matches where he doesn't start. This further emphasizes his influence on the team's performance and results.
His impact goes beyond win percentage, as Arsenal's attacking output also suffers in his absence. The team averages 2.1 goals per match when he starts, dropping to 1.6 in his absence. Their shot average also declines from 15.9 per 90 minutes to 13.3. These statistics highlight his integral role in the team's creative and scoring potential.
Looking Ahead
Arteta is expected to provide an update on Ødegaard's condition and the fitness of other players in his pre-match press conference on Friday. The outcome of his injury will have a significant impact on Arsenal's plans for the upcoming fixtures, and fans will be anxiously awaiting news on the severity of his ankle sprain. With a crucial run of matches ahead, Arsenal's title hopes could be significantly affected if Ødegaard's absence extends beyond a few games. The North London derby is just the start of a challenging period, and Arteta will be hoping to have his key players back as quickly as possible.
What's Next?
The Gunners will be hoping for a swift recovery for their captain, but the extent of the injury remains unknown. While fans await further updates, it's clear that a healthy Ødegaard is a vital component of Arsenal's success in the upcoming season.
