ARSENAL captain Martin Odegaard has been all-but ruled out of this weekend’s North London Derby due to injury.
The 25-year-old suffered an injury to his ankle during Norway’s Nations League clash with Austria on Monday.
He limped off the pitch in tears following a challenge from Christoph Baumgartner and was later seen using crutches while boarding a flight back to London.
While the midfielder is yet to be officially ruled out of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham, Norway’s team doctor has suggested he will be sidelined for the next three weeks.
Ola Sand told Norwegian newspaper VG: “Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer.”
The Gunners are already short in midfield ahead of the North London Derby.
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Declan Rice is serving a one-match suspension after being sent off against Brighton two weeks ago.
The England international received a second yellow card after kicking the ball away in the second half, leaving fans furious.
Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori also suffered an injury scare while on international duty for Italy last week.
The full-back was caught in a freak incident with France winger Ousmane Dembele on Friday.
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Dembele appeared to catch the back of Calafiori’s leg after being tackled by Alessandro Bastoni.
Arsenal could be forced to start with a makeshift midfield against Tottenham now.
Kai Havertz could be forced from his striker’s role into a deeper position.
Mikel Arteta could take a gamble by moving Leandro Trossard as a false nine, presenting an opportunity for Raheem Sterling to make his debut on the left.
While Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli will also be hoping to take advantage if Havertz is dropped deeper.
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