Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard suffered an ankle injury during Norway’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League victory over Austria. The incident occurred in the 65th minute after a collision with Austria’s Christoph Baumgartner, forcing Ødegaard to leave the field in visible pain. The midfielder, who left in tears, was immediately attended to by Norway’s medical team.
Martin Odegaard was forced off for Norway with an ankle injury. Video brings concern for a lateral ankle sprain due to plantarflexion and inversion at the ankle.
These sprains usually look worse than they are, and facilitate a quick recovery (less than a week), which could mean… pic.twitter.com/jscvzq1pq2
— Physio Scout | Football Injury Analysis (@physioscout) September 9, 2024
Following the match, Norway coach Ståle Solbakken commented on the injury: “Martin Ødegaard’s injury looked bad in the dressing room as well.” Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, added, “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.”
Arsenal’s medical staff have already been in contact with Norway’s team to assess the situation. Ødegaard played a key role for the Gunners last season, missing just three games due to injury while contributing eight goals and 10 assists in the Premier League.
The injury comes at a crucial time for Arsenal, who are set to face a demanding run of fixtures, starting with the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, followed by a Champions League clash with Atalanta and a Premier League match against reigning champions Manchester City.