Arsenal star suffers ‘ankle sprain’ on international duty as manager fears angry Arteta ‘call’

Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of captain Martin Odegaard after he limped out of Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win over Austria on Monday.

The Gunners midfielder was left clutching his left ankle after an innocuous tangle with Christoph Baumgartner on the hour mark and was helped off the pitch in tears by team-mate Erling Haaland.

Odegaard’s apparent injury is a further setback for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who is already without the suspended Declan Rice for the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Norway team doctor Ola Sand said: “Martin is doing quite well now. He got a small ankle sprain. We will see throughout the evening and tomorrow what happens next and what we will do about it.

“It is currently difficult to say anything about the extent of the damage. Ankle sprains are difficult to deal with straight away, so we almost have to see how things go forward.

“We will examine him when we are back at the hotel. Maybe we use ultrasound to look at it. If we are unsure, there will be an MRI tomorrow (Tuesday).”

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Norway manager Stale Solbakken added: “Martin Odegaard’s injury looked bad in the dressing room as well.

“I saw that he was sitting with the physios around him. He had no chance of continuing. It was probably an overstep, and those who have played football know that it can go well if the ligaments have not gone. It is not certain that Arteta will call and praise me tonight!”

Haaland lashed home his 32nd goal in 35 games for his country in the 80th minute to clinch victory after Felix Myhre’s ninth-minute opener was cancelled out by a Marcel Sabitzer effort shortly before half-time.

Odegaard looked uncomfortable throughout Arsenal’s last match against Brighton after suffering a knock to his ankle but still represented Norway in both of their matches this month.

The Norwegian’s importance for Arsenal can’t be stressed enough and if he is unavailable against Spurs, it is going to be very difficult for Arteta’s side.

It has been a frustrating international break for the Gunners, who could also be without summer signing Riccardo Calafiori on Sunday.

The Italian suffered a freak ankle injury during last week’s win over France and has returned to north London for further analysis.

Italy boss Luciano Spalletti was hopeful Calafiori would be available for Monday’s match against Israel, which was a good sign, but Arsenal were not taking any chances.

Arsenal are definitely without summer signing Mikel Merino on Sunday after he fractured his shoulder in one of his first training sessions.

That means the Gunners could be without Arteta’s ideal midfield three against Spurs with Odegaard and Merino injured, and Rice suspended.

Raheem Stering could make his Arsenal debut against Ange Postecoglou’s side.

“We have to see him, speak to him (about) what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling about it,” Arteta said on Sterling’s availability.

“Try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quickly as possible and for him to understand what we are looking for from him in the dynamics of the team.

“We will use that time to do that and get him involved as soon as possible.”

On Rice’s suspension, Arteta added: “Well, this is what happens. We have to adapt to that context.

“That’s why we have other players that can fulfil that (role) and (I can) give that opportunity to somebody else.”

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