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Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard suffers worrying ankle injury with Norway

By Ross Kennerley

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium on March 18, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Arsenal and Olympiacos at Emirates Stadium on March 18, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around Europe remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard was forced to withdraw from Norway’s clash with Gibraltar after suffering an ankle injury in the latter stages of the first half of their World Cup qualifier.

It was a proud moment for the on loan Real Madrid midfielder as he was handed the Norwegian national team captaincy Ståle Solbakken in the build up to the international break, leading his team out for the first time on Wednesday’s match.

Martin Odegaard has been in outstanding form for Arsenal since his move from the Spanish capital in January. Arriving with the promise of regular playing time, Mikel Arteta has granted him more than originally expected with 12 appearances to date for the Gunners.

He’s gone from strength to strength in north London having built up his fitness and grown accustomed to his surroundings and teammates, although even with the expectations placed on him, he’s exceeded them.

Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard suffers worrying injury with Norway after twisting his ankle against Gibraltar

The recent 3-3 draw with West Ham was the best example yet. The 23-year-old was Arsenal’s standout performer as they produced a valiant comeback to secure a point having been 3-0 down, with Odegaard front and centre of the fightback.

As one of 15 members of Arteta’s squad heading away for national duty, the infamous international curse has struck once more with Odegaard forced to leave the field of play against Gibraltar.

Having danced his way past two Gibraltar players with a delightful piece of footwork, he sought to turn in the box but twisted his ankle awkwardly. Falling to the floor in pain, he slammed his fists into the ground before attempting to play on.

However, he signaled to Solbakken that he needed to be substituted, with Jens Petter Hauge taking his place at the break.

The injury came unopposed but given the angle of his fall, initial thoughts indicate it could just be a simple twisted ankle. It’s nonetheless a huge blow to Norway, but could also be one for Arsenal with Liverpool in the Premier League to come after the break, although fears were allayed by Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT, who states the injury ‘looks to be relatively mild’.

Next. Saliba the man. dark

Thomas Partey, now Odegaard. What next, eh?

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