The Arsenal games Martin Odegaard could miss after freak injury, including Tottenham and Man City

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard is set for some time on the sidelines after suffering an injury on international duty.

Mikel Arteta will be furious at the timing of the September international break in relation to Arsenal’s upcoming schedule. 

The Gunners are set to play five games in 13 days before the end of the month, with matters not made easier by two injuries that came during the break in domestic action.

Riccardo Calafiori was injured when playing for Italy against France, with Martin Odegaard hurt for Norway, causing additional concern. 

• READ MORE: Arsenal have seven potential North London Derby absences

Which Arsenal games will Martin Odegaard miss through injury?

It’s been an anxious wait for Arsenal to learn the extent of their captain’s injury, as Odegaard suffered a sinister blow against Austria.

The injury to the midfielder’s ankle looked nothing short of horrific, with Christoph Baumgartner apologising to Odegaard for the part he played in the challenge.

Arteta’s star creator is now set for a spell on the sidelines, with a timeframe provided by Norway doctor Ola Sand.

Sand predicts that Odegaard will be out for three weeks, which could see him out of action until the October international break if true.

• Spurs (A) – Premier League – 15th September

• Atalanta (A) – Champions League – 19th September

• Manchester City (A) – Premier League – 22nd September

• Bolton Wanderers (H) – Carabao Cup – 25th September

• Leicester City (H) – Premier League – 28th September

• PSG (H) – Champions League – 1st October

• Southampton – (H) – 5th October

As seen above, Odegaard could miss a host of crucial fixtures in both the Premier League and the Champions League, most notably against Spurs, Manchester City, Atalanta and PSG.

There will be hope that the midfielder can return in good time however, there remain doubts over a quick return as Odegaard was spotted on crutches when returning to London.

Mikel Arteta has to adapt without Odegaard

It’s a painful situation for Arsenal with so many crucial fixtures coming up, given the importance of Odegaard in the current side. 

Added to that, Arteta has a job on his hands to find a suitable positional replacement for the Norweigan, who stands alone as Arsenal’s only senior central attacking midfielder at present. 

• READ MORE: Arteta’s strongest Arsenal XI for Tottenham with Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori out

In the summer, the Gunners offloaded both Fabio Vieira and Emile Smith Rowe, leaving the position incredibly short.

Of course, there are players who could fill in for Odegaard with the likes of Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling having the versatility to play such role.

It’s a nightmare outlook for Arsenal with reference to the busy schedule and the status of Odegaard’s fitness, giving Arteta the chance to flex his adaptability.