- Arsenal Martin Ødegaard Faces Lengthy Absence Due to Significant Ankle Injury as he has sustained a significant ankle injury during international duty.
- The injury involves ligament damage, leading to an uncertain recovery timeline for the talented midfielder.
- His absence poses challenges for Arsenal as they prepare for crucial matches against Atalanta and Manchester City.
- Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledges Ødegaard’s vital role within the team and emphasizes the need for others to rise to the occasion in his absence.
Arsenal’s captain Martin Ødegaard has suffered a significant ankle injury, as confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta. This setback comes after Ødegaard sustained the injury during Norway’s Nations League match against Austria on September 9, where he was forced to leave the pitch following a challenge that affected his left ankle.
The injury has been described as “quite significant,” with Arteta indicating that it will keep Ødegaard out for an extended period, although the exact duration remains uncertain.
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The nature of Ødegaard’s injury involves ligament damage, which was revealed through MRI scans after his return to Arsenal. Arteta remarked on the seriousness of the situation, 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”.
This diagnosis is particularly concerning given Ødegaard’s integral role in the team, both as a leader and a playmaker.
Ødegaard’s absence will be felt keenly, especially with critical matches on the horizon, including a Champions League clash against Atalanta and a Premier League encounter against Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta noted that the team must adapt to this challenge:
“He’s our captain. He’s been one of the biggest and best players in our team. Our identity is very linked to how he plays and behaves”.
The manager emphasized that this situation presents a significant test for Arsenal as they seek to maintain their competitive edge without their captain.
🚨🔴⚪️ Arteta: “We will lose Martin Ødegaard for a while”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 18, 2024
“The scans showed he has some damage especially on one of the ligaments in the ankle”.
↪️ Calafiori and Saka are fine and available. pic.twitter.com/Mm7SypAk5G
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for Arsenal, as they are set to face tough opponents in both domestic and European competitions. Ødegaard was pivotal last season, contributing significantly with 11 goals and assists each, showcasing his importance to the squad . His leadership and skill in midfield will be sorely missed during his recovery.
In light of Ødegaard’s injury, Arteta will need to explore alternative options within his squad. With new signing Mikel Merino also sidelined due to injury, the manager faces a dilemma in finding suitable replacements for Ødegaard in attacking midfield. Players like Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard may need to step up in this critical role, while Declan Rice returns from suspension just in time for the upcoming fixtures.
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