Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is expected to be out for an extended period after sustaining an ankle injury while on international duty with Norway, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
The injury occurred during Norway’s Nations League match against Austria earlier this month, where Odegaard twisted his ankle.
Norway’s team doctor initially indicated that the midfielder would be out for a minimum of three weeks, but Arteta has now revealed that further scans have shown ligament damage.
Arteta did not provide a specific recovery timeline but suggested it could be a significant period, though he remains hopeful it won’t last for months.
Odegaard’s absence comes as a blow to Arsenal, who are preparing for their Champions League opener against Atalanta on Thursday and a crucial Premier League clash against reigning champions Manchester City on Sunday.
The Gunners are currently second in the Premier League, two points behind City, after a 1-0 win against Tottenham last weekend.
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