Arsenal Captain Martin Odegaard To Miss Out Of Action For At Least Three Weeks Due To An Injury He Suffered On International Duty With Norway.

Arsenal will be without captain Martin Odegaard for "at least three weeks" after he picked up an injury on international duty with Norway. 

It happened that the midfielder limped off during Norway’s 2-1 UEFA Nations League win over Austria on Monday and was pictured on crutches after the game. 

He returned to London on Tuesday to undergo scans, which suggested there is no fracture to his ankle, but Norway team doctor Ola Sand’s prognosis believes he will miss several (six) weeks at best if a fracture is discovered.

"Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus and then it can take longer,” Sand told VG. 

"What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle. 

"Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach, but this may still take some time. In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus." 

It is certain that Odegaard who is an influential player for Mikel Arteta's side, will now be absent during a crucial run of early-season fixtures.  

The Gunners will be without their skipper for Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, leaving the team particularly short in midfield, as Declan Rice is suspended following his red card against Brighton and new signing Mikel Merino is injured. 

Odegaard helped Arsenal get off to a strong start to the season, beating Wolves and Aston Villa before a disappointing draw with Brighton in their opening three league games. 

He scored 11 goals and contributed 11 assists for Arsenal in 48 matches across all competitions last season.  

Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta will provide more update on Odegaard when he speaks to the media during his press conference on Friday afternoon.

The 25-year-old, will also miss their opening UEFA Champions League campaign away to Atalanta next Thursday.

A trip to reigning Premier League champions Manchester City follows on September 22, before Arsenal face Bolton in the League Cup, Leicester City in the Premier League and Paris Saint-Germain in Europe in the next three weeks. 

There is a slight chance that the Norwegian could be back for the league game against Southampton on October 5, but the Gunners will not take any chances when it comes to his fitness.