Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been ruled out for a minimum of three weeks following an ankle injury sustained during Norway’s 2-1 victory over Austria on Monday. Odegaard was forced off after a heavy challenge from Christoph Baumgartner in the second half. The midfielder was seen boarding a flight back to the UK on crutches, where Arsenal’s medical team will conduct further assessments.

Norway’s national team doctor, Ola Sand, confirmed that Odegaard will be sidelined for at least three weeks, but there are concerns the injury could take longer to heal. An MRI scan confirmed that while there is no fracture, the injury remains serious, and Odegaard is already considered doubtful for Norway’s next international fixtures in October.

Odegaard’s absence will be a significant blow for Arsenal, as he is set to miss key fixtures, including the North London Derby against Tottenham, a Champions League tie against Atalanta, and a top-of-the-table Premier League clash with Manchester City.

This injury compounds Arsenal’s growing list of fitness concerns, with new signing Mikel Merino out for up to eight weeks due to a shoulder injury, and Gabriel Jesus and Takehiro Tomiyasu also sidelined.

Key Matches Odegaard May Miss:

• Tottenham (NLD)
• Atalanta (Champions League)
• Manchester City (Premier League)
• PSG (Champions League) (if the recovery period is extended)

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have to rely on squad depth during this critical stretch of the season as they juggle both Premier League and Champions League commitments.