EPL: Odegaard injury puts Arsenal in tough corner ahead of Spurs derby

Arsenal’s preparations for the North London Derby suffered a blow as captain Martin Odegaard was carried off in tears during Norway’s Nations League clash with Austria.

The 25-year-old sustained a serious ankle injury following a 50-50 challenge with Christoph Baumgartner, leaving Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta anxiously awaiting updates.

“It looked painful,” admitted Norway manager Stale Solbakken.

“He couldn’t continue and was in a lot of discomfort. We’re hoping for the best, but it’s too soon to say.”

Odegaard was treated on the pitch, visibly distraught, before being helped off by medics, raising fears he could miss Sunday’s crucial match against Tottenham Hotspur.

This comes as Arsenal are already without Declan Rice, who is suspended after receiving a red card against Brighton.

Adding to Arteta’s woes, new signing Mikel Merino is sidelined with a shoulder injury, forcing the manager to reconsider his midfield options for the much-anticipated clash.

Although Norway ended up winning the Monday match 2-1, Odegaard’s injury overshadowed the result.

This leaves Arsenal fans hoping for the player’s quick recovery ahead of a demanding schedule, which includes Champions League action and a clash with Manchester City later in the month.