Martin Odegaard issues injury update ahead of Arsenal’s title surge after the Gunners captain missed north London derby win and Man City draw

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has provided an update on his injury after it was revealed he will be out for a long time.

The midfielder limped off the pitch in the second half of his country’s 2-1 Nations League win over Austria in the last international break, causing concern among Gunners fans and he has not played since.

Manager Mikel Arteta refused to rule him out for the North London derby against Tottenham won a few days later, but it has now been confirmed he will be out ‘for a while’.

Odegaard appeared to be in tears as he limped off the pitch. He was later seen limping onto a private jet on crutches. The complaint was described as a ‘serious ankle injury’.

Now, however, he has spoken to Arsenal club websiteassuring his supporters that he is doing his best to return as soon as possible – although no timetable for his return has yet been set.

The Gunners captain faced the problem while playing for Norway during the international break

He has not played since, missing Arsenal’s win over Tottenham and the draw with Manchester City.

‘It was a nasty twist of my ankle, and I damaged some ligaments there, but that’s part of football. and now I’m just trying to recover as fast as possible,’ he said. ‘I’m moving forward, making progress and I’m feeling more positive every day.

‘I am working hard and my only thought is to be back as soon as possible. I am actually at Sobha Realty Training Centre every day now, working hard and doing everything I can to get better.

‘I have to be careful not to push it too much, but at the same time do everything I can to come back as strong and as fast as possible.

“I try to support the team in a different way now, when I can’t be on the field. That’s my situation, and I have to make the best of it.”

Odegaard suffered a ‘serious’ ankle ligament injury while playing for his country and Arsenal are wondering if a solution is possible for his absence.

Lenadro Trossard has started both games so far in a midfield role, but was sent off just before half-time against City, with many calling for Ethan Nwaneri to be given more minutes.

“It’s something I’m not used to,” Odegaard said. “I’ve been very lucky, if that’s the right word, and have avoided injuries in the past, but this is football and I have to get on with it.”

“I think it was unfortunate that I got the injury the way I did, but it could have been worse. It wasn’t a nice turn of events and when it happened I felt like it could be serious. I’ve injured my ankle before and the pain felt a little bit different this time.”

Leandro Trossard played a midfield role in Odegaard’s absence but was sent off against City

Many have called for Ethan Nwaneri (left) to be given more playing time in Odegaard’s absence

He added: ‘That’s what scared me, but given what happened, it could have been worse. In that sense I got away with it a little bit.’

‘Like every other player, the first thing I asked the medical team was how long I would be out, but it’s hard to say at the moment.

“In the early stages, it’s crucial to get enough rest and make sure everything heals properly. After that, it’s all about getting stronger and building it back up.”