Ahead of this Sunday’s North London Derby, Arsenal have been left sweating over the fitness of their captain after he hobbled off the pitch during Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria on Monday.
Odegaard went over on his left ankle following a challenge from Baumgartner and after the match Norway’s team doctor suggested the attacking midfielder had suffered a ‘small ankle sprain’.
While the extent of the injury is not yet known, it’s not looking good for the 25-year-old who, alongside the suspended Declan Rice, looks set to miss the trip to Tottenham.
While it may be little consolation for Mikel Arteta and Gunners fans, Baumgartner is sorry for what happened, sending a message to Odegaard on social media on Tuesday.
‘Hi guys! I would like to sincerely apologise to Martin Odegaard,’ the RB Leipzig midfielder posted on his Instagram story.
‘It was never my intention to injure this fantastic player. I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery!
Christoph Baumgartner’s challenge caused Odegaard’s injury
‘Come back stronger.’
Whether Odegaard or his club or country teammates accept Baumgartner’s apology remains to be seen, with Norway’s Leo Skiri Ostigard vowing to take revenge against the Austrian.
‘I would have liked to have a duel against the guy who took “Ødda” out and show him what it’s like to get one back,’ the Rennes centre-back said.
Arsenal will hope to have their captain back on the pitch as soon as possible with a very tricky run of fixtures coming up.
Over the next month, the Gunners take on Tottenham, Manchester City, Leicester and Southampton in the Premier League, Bolton in the Carabao Cup and begin their Champions League campaign against Atalanta and PSG.
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