Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard was injured playing for Norway against Gibraltar
(Picture: REUTERS)Arsenal have been dealt a sizable new injury concern after Martin Odegaard was hurt on international duty with Norway.
The Real Madrid loanee - captaining his country for the first time on Wednesday night - appeared to twist his ankle during the first half of the 2022 World Cup qualifier against Gibraltar.
Odegaard initially played on, but was then substituted at half-time by coach Stale Solbakken, with Norway leading 2-0.
Such a withdrawal will be of huge concern for Mikel Arteta, with the 22-year-old midfielder having played an important role at Arsenal of late.
Odegaard has grown in confidence and influence since joining the Gunners in January and was singled out for praise by his manager after leading Sunday’s extraordinary comeback from 3-0 down to claim a point against London rivals West Ham in the Premier League.
Arsenal host Liverpool at Emirates Stadium following the international break on April 3 before meeting Slavia Prague in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie.
“I think he had an incredible performance,” Arteta said of Odegaard’s display against West Ham. “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.
“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.”
