Martin Odegaard was carried off the pitch after suffering a worrying injury while on international duty.
The Arsenal captain was playing in Norway’s UEFA Nations League clash with Austria when he was involved in an awkward clash with Christoph Baumgartner.
Challenging for the ball, Odegaard suffered a painful injury as he went over on his ankle, leading to a lengthy stoppage.
In this time Man City star Erling Haaland was among a number of concerned teammates who came to check on the Arsenal man.
As a result, the playmaker was left with no choice but to leave the action with two members of Norway’s medical team propped him up as he hobbled off the pitch.
Clearly in some discomfort, Odegaard looked upset as he made his way off the pitch.
Norway coach Ola Solbakken said after the match: “Martin Ødegaard’s injury looked bad in the dressing room as well”.
Meanwhile Norway doctor Ola Sand: “He got a small ankle sprain. We will see, maybe we use ultrasound to look at it.
“If we are unsure, there will be an MRI tomorrow”
His absence didn’t hamper Norway too much, however, with Haaland scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory.
The sight will, however, be a worry for Arsenal fans as they prepare for Sunday’s north London derby with Tottenham.
The 25-year-old has started all three Premier League games so far this season but was substituted in the 74th minute during their last outing, a 1-1 draw at home to Brighton.
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Since arriving at the club from Real Madrid in 2021, Odegaard has proven himself to be one of Arsenal’s key men.
In 156 appearances, he has scored 35 goals and offered 25 assists along the way.
That includes an impressive tally of 11 goals and 11 assists last term.
Arsenal will be determined to continue their unbeaten start to the 2024/25 season when they head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Having won 3-2 in their last outing there, Arteta’s side will be desperate to get another positive result this time around.
However with Declan Rice suspended and Odegaard now an injury concern, Arsenal could have a tricky test on their hands against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
