Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has refused to rule captain Martin Odegaard out of Sunday’s north London derby regardless of the midfielder choosing up a brutal ankle damage on worldwide obligation with Norway.
Alarm bells started to ring for Arsenal followers after it was reported that the midfielder had sustained a severe damage throughout Norway’s conflict with Austria. He limped off the pitch throughout the recreation and flew again to London to bear additional scans.
Recognized with at the least a sprained ankle, Odegaard was given a minimal of three weeks to recuperate by Norway’s staff physician, suggesting that he would miss the subsequent month of Premier League fixtures.
Nevertheless, Arteta has refused to rule out the Gunners captain for Sunday’s conflict with Tottenham Hotspur, stating that the staff should ‘wait and see’.
“We want some extra assessments so let’s examine what occurs within the subsequent day or so,” he advised reporters. “This afternoon in all probability, and see what occurs with the extent of the damage and the way rapidly we will get him again.
“He’s tremendous constructive about the whole lot, we all know Martin, he needs to be there each single day, however we have now to attend and see. With 48 hours till the sport, gamers may at all times grow to be out there, however let’s examine what occurs.”
The Gunners shall be with out fellow midfielder Declan Rice on Sunday after the England worldwide was proven a controversial crimson card throughout Arsenal’s draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.
New summer time signing Riccardo Calafiori may additionally miss out after choosing up a calf damage on worldwide obligation with Italy. Arteta refused to rule out the defender, however confirmed that the membership want time earlier than deciding if he shall be slot in time to face Spurs.
Deadline day addition Raheem Sterling may make his debut on Sunday after switching from west to north London on the finish of the summer time switch window.
Arteta continued: “[Sterling] appears to be like nice. Initially as a result of he has an enormous smile on his face, numerous power. He is at it and he needs to show some extent.”
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