“It wasn’t quite good” - Martin Odegaard’s Norway teammate addresses Arsenal captain’s injury fears after clash against Austria
Norway international Leo Ostigard has provided an update on the injury picked up by teammate and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard in the game against Austria on September 9. The midfielder had to be taken off in apparent distress after a collision left him in a heap on the pitch with the scores level.
Norway began their UEFA Nations League campaign with a goalless draw against Kazakhstan and were eager to return to winning ways in front of their fans. Odegaard started the game but had to come off in the 67th minute after sustaining an ankle injury, and was replaced by Kristian Thorstvedt.
Rennes defender Ostigard spoke with the press about the condition of Martin Odegaard after the match, which Norway won 2-1. The defender revealed that it did not look good but he was hopeful of a quick recovery for the 25-year-old, and blamed the opponent for the injury.
“It wasn’t quite good, it seemed," Ostigard said. "We really have to hope that it passes quickly and that he is back for both Arsenal and us. I think there were a lot of strange things there. I would have liked to have a duel against the guy who took “Odda” and told him what it’s like to get one back.”
Odegaard picked up the injury after a collision with Christoph Baumgartner caused him to twist his ankle. His absence did not prove to be a problem as his teammates rallied to score a late winner via Erling Haaland to ensure they picked up three points.
Arsenal will be in close contact with the midfielder and the Norwegian medical team to try and ascertain the extent of the injury. The Gunners have already seen Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori pick up a small injury in the international window, and will be keen to avoid another one.
Odegaard doubtful, adds to Arsenal headache ahead of North London derby
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is a doubt for the Gunners as they prepare to face rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Sunday, September 15. The Norwegian midfielder left the pitch with an ankle injury as his country defeated Austria 2-1.
The Gunners are set for two testing games in succession against Tottenham and champions Manchester City, who they already trail by two points. Mikel Arteta's side will be keen to avoid dropping any more points that would leave them trailing in the title race.
Arsenal will be without the suspended Declan Rice and injured Mikel Merino in midfield, and adding their captain to that list would be a heavy blow. The club will be sweating over the fitness of the Norway international as they look to bounce back from a draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.