The midfielder suffered an ankle injury while playing for Norway in a recent match against Austria.
Initially, Arsenal had hoped that the injury would not be serious, but the situation grew more concerning when images emerged showing Ødegaard on crutches, suggesting he was in significant pain.
Recent reports have provided a clearer picture of the extent of his injury. Ødegaard underwent a scan which confirmed that there is no fracture in his ankle, which is somewhat encouraging for Arsenal and their fans.
However, the injury is still a substantial setback, and Ødegaard is expected to be sidelined for about three weeks as he recovers.
The timeline for his recovery was confirmed by Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, who was quoted by the BBC. According to Dr. Sand, “Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks.
Anything other than that is just a bonus, and it can take longer.” He explained that the results of the MRI scan conducted in London indicate that there is probably no fracture in Ødegaard’s ankle.
However, Dr. Sand also noted that interpreting an MRI scan can be tricky, especially when there has been a previous injury to the same area.
Despite the absence of a fracture, the injury could still take time to heal fully. He added, “In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus,” highlighting that while the current prognosis is relatively positive, recovery times can vary.
For Arsenal, Ødegaard’s injury is undoubtedly a significant blow, as he has been a crucial part of their midfield, contributing both creatively and in terms of leadership on the pitch.
His absence in the upcoming matches against strong rivals like Tottenham and Manchester City means the Gunners will need to rely on other players in the squad to fill the void and maintain their performance level.
However, there is some relief in knowing that Ødegaard’s injury does not appear to be as severe as initially feared. The fact that there is no fracture and that the expected recovery period is around three weeks is positive news for the club.
Arsenal fans will hope that Ødegaard’s absence is brief and that he can return to action soon to help the team in their quest for success this season.
In the meantime, Arsenal will need to turn to their other midfield options to step up in Ødegaard’s absence. Players like Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, and Jorginho will likely be given more opportunities to play crucial roles in the upcoming matches.
The team’s ability to adapt to this challenge will be key in maintaining their momentum in the Premier League. The hope is that the rest of the squad can rise to the occasion, compensate for Ødegaard’s absence, and help secure important points in these critical fixtures.
