Norway team doctor provides fitness update on Arsenal star Martin Odegaard ahead of North London Derby
Norway team doctor Ola Sand has seemingly ruled out Martin Odegaard for the upcoming north London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (September 15). The Gunners fans will be deeply disappointed with the news, with Declan Rice also suspended for this Premier League fixture.
The 25-year-old creative midfielder hobbled off in his country's 2-1 Nations League victory against Austria on Monday (September 9). Claiming that ankle problems of such nature usually take about three weeks to recover, Sand told Norwegian outlet VG (via FourFourTwo):
"Such ankle injuries often at least take three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer. Ankle injuries are very painful right away. With Martin, it was extremely painful. He became very worried."
Explaining further, Sand added:
"They are studying the MR images now, and have sent them on. No violation is suspected.
"What we have obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle. In the event of a fracture, we talking about being out of action for six weeks plus."
Based on these statements, it looks highly unlikely that Odegaard will return for Arsenal's upcoming league match. Moreover, this would be a huge blow because the Gunners do not currently possess a player who can play the creative midfield role.
The closest replacement for Odegaard was Emile Smith Rowe, who was sold to Fulham this summer. Although the Norwegian has failed to register a goal contribution in the 2024/25 campaign so far, his performances have been good to watch.
Troy Deeney names player who could've replaced Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney believes Emile Smith Rowe would've been the player to have provided cover for Martin Odegaard had Arsenal not sold the former.
The English midfielder joined Fulham this summer for a reported £34 million in search of regular game time. However, Deeney believes that the 24-year-old could have seen minutes in the Gunners captain's absence.
He told talkSPORT (via Metro):
"This is where the frustration is with some Arsenal fans I know, in terms of letting go of Emile Smith Rowe. He's not the same player as Odegaard by any stretch but he would certainly offer a stop-gap in that moment."
Smith Rowe did perform well when fit for the Gunners. After coming up through the ranks, he made 115 senior appearances at the Emirates, bagging 18 goals and 13 assists across competitions.