Arsenal fans are left reeling after suffering a major injury setback just days before the highly anticipated North London derby. The Gunners are already missing Declan Rice, who is unavailable after receiving a red card in the last Premier League match against Brighton.
Captain Martin Odegaard’s status has now come into question after he limped off the pitch in tears during Norway’s Nations League game against Austria on Monday evening. The former Real Madrid star appeared to twist his ankle awkwardly following a challenge from an opponent.
Although he did not require a stretcher, Odegaard needed support from physios as he hobbled off and was eventually replaced. Additionally, new signing Mikel Merino is sidelined for an extended period due to a shoulder injury encountered during his first training session, while fellow newcomer Riccardo Calafiori departed the Italy camp after experiencing an injury scare.
Arsenal is facing a challenging run of fixtures, beginning with the clash against Spurs, followed by a Champions League encounter with Europa League winners Atalanta. They will then visit Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, September 22. Odegaard is a key player in Mikel Arteta’s system, having been named in the PFA Team of the Year for the past two seasons after outstanding performances.
Naturally, fans are keenly awaiting an official medical update on Odegaard’s condition. Reactions from supporters have been overwhelmingly concerned:
One fan commented, “Rice, Merino & Odegaard, arguably our first-choice midfield, all out for the NLD. The scriptwriters want us dead.”
Another lamented, “That looked like a serious injury for Odegaard. I’m pissed man.”
A third expressed frustration, saying, “I actually have no idea how we’re supposed to line up now.”
Another fan fumed, “Odegaard had to be helped off the pitch before the North London Derby, just for a meaningless f****g friendly for Norway. What a joke.”
Finally, one user added, “Spurs, Atalanta, and Man City all within a week, and now all without Martin Odegaard. These pointless friendlies just a few weeks into the Premier League season can f*** right off.”
Credit: Sport Bible
