Arsenal suffer huge blow as 25-year-old star comes off injured while in action on international duty: Reports
Arsenal seem to have suffered a massive injury blow as club captain Martin Odegaard had to be subbed off due to an injury while playing for Norway against Austria in the UEFA Nations League. The 25-year-old midfielder was taken off as he twisted his ankle after being tackled by Christoph Baumgartner in the 64th minute of the game.
Odegaard has been a vital part of the Gunners' setup since he arrived from Real Madrid in 2020, initially on loan and then permanently for a reported €35 million in 2021. He has played 156 times for the North London side, scoring 35 goals and providing 25 assists to help them become title challengers.
Former Norway international Jan Aage Fjortoft shared a video of Odegaard hobbling off the pitch during his side's match against Austria.
Arsenal will hope the Norwegian is not ruled out for their clash against North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, September 15. The Gunners are already light in the middle of the park given Declan Rice's suspension and Mikel Merino's injury.
If the title challengers are without their captain, they will hope Jorginho or Kai Havertz can successfully deputize for him in midfield for the crunch clash against Spurs.
Yaya Toure sees himself in Arsenal star Declan Rice
Former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has said he sees himself in Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice. The former Ivory Coast international is a pivotal part of the Cityzens' recent history, having guided them to three Premier League titles during his eight-year stint with the club.
Speaking about the England international, Toure said (via the Daily Cannon):
“Declan Rice reminds me of myself because I think he has the capacity, the ability, the physical ability as well. To do it week in week out is difficult and very demanding, but he can do it. I love when players want to develop and Declan has the mentality to do it.”
Toure made 316 appearances for Manchester City, scoring 80 goals and providing 47 assists between 2010 and 2018. He established himself as one of the finest midfielders in the Premier League and his comments are high praise for the former West Ham captain.
Rice joined Arsenal for a reported €116.6 million in 2023 and has made 54 appearances for the club, scoring seven goals and assisting 10.