Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard injury update: Norway doctor provides timeframe

Norway's team doctor Ola Sand has said that Martin Odegaard is likely to be missing for "at least three weeks" with the ankle injury that he picked up against Austria on Monday.

The Arsenal captain was forced off in the second half of Norway's 2-1 win over Austria in the UEFA Nations League after suffering an ankle problem.

Reports in Norway had claimed that the 25-year-old could be on the sidelines for the next month, and the attacker's national team doctor has now provided an update on the situation.

Sand has indicated that a fracture is unlikely, but due to the nature of the strain, it is likely that he will be on the sidelines for a minimum of three weeks.

"Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus and then it can take longer," Norway's team doctor told VG.

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Arsenal captain Odegaard set to miss "at least three weeks"

"What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle.

"Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach, but this may still take some time. In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus."

Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta will provide an update on Odegaard when he speaks to the media during his press conference on Friday afternoon.

The attacker will be missing for Sunday's North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, and he is also set to be absent for a number of other important matches over the next few weeks.

A three-week absence would see Odegaard miss at least five games for Arsenal, including the crunch clash with Premier League title rivals Manchester City on September 22.

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When will Odegaard return for Arsenal?

While there has not been an official update from Arsenal, it appears that Odegaard will be absent for a minimum of three weeks, but a month-long absence is certainly possible.

It would not be a surprise if Odegaard was not available until after the October international break, with Arsenal in action away to Bournemouth on October 19.

Odegaard is set to miss league games against Tottenham, Man City and Leicester, in addition to Champions League fixtures with Atalanta BC and Paris Saint-Germain.

There is a slight chance that the Norwegian could be back for the league game against Southampton on October 5, but the Gunners will not take any chances when it comes to his fitness.

Six Arsenal players are seemingly in line to take on the armband while Odegaard is on the sidelines, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice.

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