Arsenal dropping points last time out added a bit more pressure on Mikel Arteta‘s shoulders with the top two now two points ahead.
The international break is always a worry for managers with the worst possible scenarios imagined.
And, that worst case scenario may just have come true for Arsenal as Martin Odegaard has picked up an ankle injury after being substituted during Norway vs Austria last night.
It’s been predicted that Odegaard could possibly play in the Arsenal vs Tottenham game this weekend if it’s just a grade 1 sprain, or it could be 4-6 weeks out if it happens to be worse.
Interestingly, ESPN pundit Frank Leboeuf suffered the exact same injury during his playing days and has revealed the midfielder’s chances of playing against Tottenham…
Martin Odegaard of Norway gets injured during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B3 match between Norway and Austria at the Ullevaal St...
Photo by Mateusz Slodkowski/Getty Images
Martin Odegaard’s chances of playing in Arsenal vs Tottenham explained by Frank Leboeuf
Odegaard isn’t the only player fans have to worry about as Riccardo Calafiori also suffered an injury whilst away on international duty with Italy.
There is some hope for Arsenal fans when it comes to Odegaard, as ESPN pundit Frank Leboeuf when speaking on ESPN UK’s YouTube channel stated that he could be fine for Tottenham.
“No it’s not good news but I twisted my right ankle 16 times and my left ankle 15 times, and I twisted it the first time like Odegaard and then I went back on the other side and twisted the other side.
“Six days after I played if it’s not a fracture. If your bone is not touched I had 40% elasticity of my ligament. At 12 you normally have the surgery.
“I was called a soft player in England, if you are quite strong you know you do the strap and if you’re in an important game you’ll be on the field.
“What I think is it might damage your ligaments for after the game but during the game you can handle it. If you strap well you can play with it.
“And you’re gonna have treatment, medical in 89 when I first twisted my ankle was not the same as now. So I’m pretty sure they can sort Odegaard’s problem out, and hopefully, he can play for the Gunners.”
What are Arteta’s options after Odegaard’s injury?
Mikel Arteta already had an issue with Declan Rice’s absence after his red card against Brighton, and now Odegaard’s situation has made the situation even worse.
One solution would be for Arsenal to dip into the free agency market with Adrien Rabiot available. But, that probably isn’t likely as he operates in more of a Declan Rice role.
Of course, Ethan Nwaneri is another player who Mikel Arteta could turn to if he’s feeling brave with his selection.
Kai Havertz was rumoured to be dropping into midfield to replace Declan Rice but now he could be deployed in a more advanced midfield role to make up for Odegaard, with Jorginho possibly behind.
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