Injury scare for Arsenal as Martin Odegaard twists his ankle against Gibraltar and is taken off… but Norway manager later reveals he should be fit to face Turkey on Saturday
- Martin Odegaard injured his ankle while on international duty with Norway
- The Real Madrid loanee twisted his ankle playing against against Gibraltar
- Odegaard attempted to play on before being substituted at half time
Arsenal were given an injury scare on Wednesday night after Martin Odegaard was hurt on international duty with Norway.
The Real Madrid loanee twisted his ankle during the first half of their 2022 World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar on Wednesday night.
Odegaard – who had been chosen to captain his country for the first time – attempted to play on before being substituted by Stale Solbakken at half time.
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard injured his ankle while on international duty with Norway (above)
The Real Madrid loanee twisted his ankle in the first half playing against against Gibraltar
But the Norway manager revealed after the game that Odegaard should recover in time to face Turkey on Saturday.
‘I have a big hope that Martin will be fit for the game against Turkey on Saturday. Not a serious injury,’ he said.
While the player himself also eased the Gunners’ concerns, adding: ‘I twisted my ankle, but I think I will be fit for the game against Turkey.’
The 22-year-old midfielder has played a pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Having helped Arsenal fight back from 3-0 down to claim a point against West Ham, Arteta spoke very highly of Odegaard.
He said Odegaard’s performance against their London rivals was ‘incredible’ and that he is an ‘intelligent’ player.
‘I think he had an incredible performance,’ Arteta said. ‘I think he was very intelligent the way he read the game, the way he affected the game and again he showed how much he wanted to win.
The news will leave Arsenal sweating as he has played a pivotal role in Mikel Arteta’s squad
Arteta is keen to make his switch from Los Blancos a permanent one in the summer
‘When everyone was a little trembling he gave us that stability and that composure on the ball and he created chance after chance. He’s been showing that, I think, from week one. The way he steps on the pitch, he always wants the ball, the way he commands the pressing. He’s been really influential.
‘I think we’ve all been a bit surprised because he looks really shy and humble, but when he steps on that pitch he’s a real character and he loves to play football.’
As a result, Arteta is keen to make his switch from Los Blancos permanent in the summer transfer window.
