Odegaard sidelined with ankle injury after Norway match

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set to be sidelined for an extended period due to an ankle ligament injury sustained during Norway's 2-1 victory over Austria last week. The injury has already caused him to miss a crucial north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, raising concerns about his availability for upcoming fixtures. Following a series of scans, manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the damage to one of Odegaard's ankle ligaments, emphasizing the impact of his absence on the team's performance. Odegaard, 25, has been a pivotal player for Arsenal, contributing significantly to the team's identity and success. Arteta expressed hope that the injury would not keep him out for months, but acknowledged the challenge it presents for the squad. The team is currently facing a demanding schedule, including multiple Champions League matches, which will be further complicated by Odegaard's unavailability. In addition to Odegaard's injury, Arsenal is also dealing with the absence of new signing Mikel Merino, who is out for up to a month due to a shoulder injury. This situation puts additional pressure on the remaining midfielders, including Kai Havertz, Jorginho, and Declan Rice, who will need to step up in Odegaard's absence. The team will need to adapt their formation and strategy to cope without their captain, and Arteta will be looking for a strong response from his players as they navigate this challenging period.