Christoph Baumgartner apologises to Martin Odegaard after he hobbled off in Norway’s clash with Austria – with the Gunners captain now a major doubt for the north London derby

Christoph Baumgartner has issued a public apology to Martin Odegaard after the Arsenal captain was forced off injured on international duty.

Norway played host to Austria in a Nations League clash on Monday, with ex-Man United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer drawing level after Felix Horn Myhre gave the hosts the lead.

With the score still level in the second half Baumgartner launched into a mistimed challenge on Odegaard that led to him requiring treatment on the pitch.

The midfielder has to be helped off the pitch following the tackle and was later pictured using crutches leading to concerns about the severity of his injury.

Erling Haaland netted a late winner for Norway at Ullevaal Stadion but concerns immediately turned to Odegaard’s condition after the final whistle.

Odegaard had to be helped off the pitch during the Nations League clash between Norway and Austria

Baumgartner offered an apology on social media and sent his well-wishes to the midfielder

Following the game Baumgartner took to social media to apologise for his part in the incident and to wish the 25-year-old well in his recovery.

‘Hi guys! I would like to sincerely apologize to Martin Odegaard,’ he wrote on his Instagram story. 

‘It was never my intention to injure this fantastic player. I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery! Come back stronger’

The injury could see Odegaard unavailable as Mikel Arteta’s side travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday for the first north London derby of the season. 

The news will come as a significant blow to the Spaniard who is already without Declan Rice for the clash after a review from the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents upheld his controversial red card against Brighton.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta now faces a midfield dilemma ahead of Sunday’s north London derby

Leandro Trossard could be drafted into midfield to fill the gap, opening up the possibility for Raheem Sterling to make his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt since completing a deadline day loan switch from Chelsea.

Since joining Arsenal permanently in the summer of 2021 Odegaard has missed just six Premier League games for the Gunners.