Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard will be sidelined for “a while” due to “significant” ankle ligament damage, as confirmed by manager Mikel Arteta on Wednesday.
The talented midfielder sustained the injury while representing Norway earlier this month, and subsequent scans have revealed the severity of the issue.
“It’s something quite significant so we are going to lose him for a while. Hopefully not months,” Arteta remarked, expressing concern for his team.
Arsenal faces a challenging week ahead, with a Champions League match against Atalanta on Thursday, followed by a Premier League clash against Manchester City on Sunday.
Odegaard has been a pivotal player for Arsenal, a club that finished as runners-up to Manchester City in the previous two seasons.
“He’s our captain. One of our biggest players, one of our most consistent players in the last two or three seasons,” Arteta emphasized. “Our identity is closely tied to his style of play and leadership on the pitch.”
Arteta sees this as a significant test for the team, challenging them to adapt and showcase the depth of their squad. “It’s a great opportunity for other players to step up and demonstrate their effectiveness,” he stated, highlighting the resilience required to navigate this setback.
