Arsenal captain Martin 외degaard's injury turned out to be more serious than expected. It could be a game changer in the competition to win the English Premier League in the 2024-25 season.
According to the British Mirror on the 20th (Korea time), head coach Mikel Arteta said, "Odegaard's injury is more serious than the club and the Norwegian national team initially feared," citing the match against Nottingham Forest on the 24th as the expected return time after the A-match break in November.
"We are consulting with medical experts about the best recovery process, but we expect it to take eight weeks (to return)," the Mirror said. "It is a big blow to Arsenal's hopes of winning the UEFA Champions League match against Atalanta."
Odegaard, who was drafted by the Norwegian national team during an A-match period early this month, started a Nations League match against Austria and was replaced by an injury in the 67th minute of the second half. He immediately returned to London and underwent an MRI.
At the time, Norwegian national team doctor Ola Sander explained, "These ankle injuries generally take at least three weeks (to return), and there may be additional injuries, and if found, it can take longer."
"It is highly likely that the results obtained from MRI examinations conducted in London so far will not be a fracture of the ankle. However, it may take some time (for an accurate examination) to come out. If it is a fracture, it may be impossible to perform for six weeks," he said.
Odegaard has a significant impact on Arsenal. Odegaard, who had 15 goals and seven assists in 37 matches in the 2022-23 season, led Arsenal to win the title with eight goals and 10 assists in 35 matches last season. Although he has no offensive points this season, he played in all three Premier League matches that his team played.
Arsenal played in the north London derby without 외degaard, setting up a midfield with Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Thomas Partey. The new midfield combination was successful and led to a 1-0 victory.
It is good news that he has a history of returning. Declan Rice, who missed the game against Tottenham after leaving the last game, will return to the game against Manchester City. Mikel Merino, who has been out due to a shoulder injury, is also scheduled to return next month.
There is also a possibility that 17-year-old midfielder Ethan Nwaneri will fill the vacancy of 외degaard. Nwaneri, who is considered the best prospect in the Arsenal team, showed impressive performance in the pre-season, which is interpreted as a decisive reason why Arsenal sent Fabio Vieira, who is in the same position, on loan to FC Port. 메이저놀이터
"Eunwaneri can be a direct replacement," the Mirror said. "There is also an additional option to put Gabriel Jejues at the forefront and use Havertz as a midfielder. However, Arteta may be more reluctant to do so because Havertz showed good performance as a striker."