ARSENAL captain Martin Odegaard has been all-but ruled out of this weekend’s North London Derby.
The 25-year-old suffered an ankle injury 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 on crutches while boarding a flight back to London.
The midfielder is yet to be officially ruled out of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham but Norway’s team doctor has suggested he will be sidelined for 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 Spurs clash.
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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.
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’s makeshift midfield against Tottenham could involve one player shifting backwards.
Kai Havertz could be forced from his striker’s role into a deeper position.
Or wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, 17, could be parachuted in.
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.
Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli will also be hoping to take advantage if Havertz is dropped deeper.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
