"Never my intention to injure this fantastic player" - Austria star apologizes on social media for his role in Arsenal man Martin Odegaard's injury
Austrian star Christoph Baumgartner has tendered an apology to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard after playing a role in getting the Norwegian midfielder injured. Both men featured for their respective countries in their UEFA Nations League meeting, with Norway claiming a 2-1 win on Monday, September 9.
RB Leipzig man Baumgartner quickly went on Instagram to share a classy message to Odegaard following his injury after their collision. The forward apologised to the Arsenal man, writing that he didn't tackle him with the intent to cause him any harm.
"Hi guys! I would like to sincerely apologise to Martin Odegaard. It was never my intention to injure this fantastic player. I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery! Come back stronger @odegaard.98 🙏🏻"
Martin Odegaard and Baumgartner contested a loose ball around the center of the pitch and the Arsenal man came off worse. He tumbled after the collision and landed on his left ankle after it had been folded under his body. This resulted in the 25-year-old writhing in pain before he was helped off the pitch in the 67th minute to be replaced by Kristian Thorstvedt.
Felix Horn Myhre gave Norway the lead in the ninth minute. Christoph Baumgartner recorded an assist for Austria in the game, supplying the pass from which Marcel Sabitzer scored in the 37th minute. He left the pitch before Erling Haaland found the net in the 80th minute to hand Norway all three points.
The injury to Odegaard will provide a headache for all those at Arsenal, seeing as they are set to face two of their biggest rivals in the league. The Gunners face North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (September 15) before facing champions Manchester City next weekend.
Opportunity opens up for Arsenal youngster as injuries pile up
Arsenal youngster Ethan Nwaneri may get an opportunity to make his first start of the season when his side returns to action in the Premier League. The Gunners are set to face rivals Tottenham Hotspur away on Sunday when action resumes in the league.
Mikel Arteta is already set to be without summer signing Mikel Merino, who injured his shoulder in training, and the suspended Declan Rice. The Gunners boss could now see captain Odegaard join this list after he was photographed in crutches as he headed back to London.
With Fabio Vieira having been sent out on loan, the club are left with Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Kai Havertz as the likely senior midfield options. Arteta may thus opt for the 17-year-old Nwaneri, who had an impressive run in the side in pre-season, to start at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.