Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is in tears following another important Arsenal’s key player, who was supposed to play a crucial part against Tottenham, is now injured and could be sidelined for a few weeks again.

Arsenal is bracing for a tough few weeks as their captain, Martin Ødegaard, will be out for the next three weeks due to an ankle injury. Ødegaard sustained the injury while playing for Norway in a recent match against Austria, leaving the team without their key midfielder for important Premier League games, including crucial encounters with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Initially, there was optimism within Arsenal that the injury wasn’t serious. However, concerns grew when images emerged of Ødegaard on crutches, indicating the injury was more serious than originally thought.

Recent reports have clarified the severity of the injury, and while it’s not as bad as feared, it still poses a setback. Ødegaard underwent a scan that showed no fractures in his ankle, which is good news for Arsenal. Despite this positive outcome, he is still expected to be sidelined for around three weeks while his ankle recovers.

Norway’s team doctor, Ola Sand, provided more details about Ødegaard’s condition, stating that ankle injuries like this typically need at least three weeks to heal. He added, “Anything beyond that is just a bonus, and it could take longer.” While the MRI results are promising, Dr. Sand also highlighted the challenge of interpreting scans, especially if there’s been a prior injury in the same area. In Ødegaard’s case, despite the absence of a fracture, recovery will still take time. He noted that if a fracture had been present, recovery could have taken six weeks or more.

For Arsenal, Ødegaard’s absence is a major blow, given his key role in the squad. As a creative force and leader, his impact on the pitch has been crucial to the team’s recent performances. Losing him for key matches, particularly against top rivals like Tottenham and Manchester City, adds pressure on the rest of the squad to step up and fill his shoes.

Despite the setback, there is relief that Ødegaard’s injury isn’t as severe as it could have been. With no fracture and a relatively short recovery period of about three weeks, there is hope that the midfielder will be back on the pitch sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, Arsenal will have to depend on other midfield options to cover for Ødegaard’s absence. Players like Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, and Jorginho are likely to get more chances to step up in the upcoming games. These players will be vital in helping Arsenal stay competitive during this crucial period.

The ability of Arsenal’s squad to adapt to this challenge will be a critical test of their depth and resilience. With tough matches ahead, the team must rise to the occasion and ensure Ødegaard’s absence doesn’t disrupt their progress in the Premier League. Fans will be eager for a quick recovery and Ødegaard’s return to help propel Arsenal’s push for success this season.