Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants more clarity on Martin Odegaard‘s injury before ruling the captain out of Sunday’s north London derby against Tottenham.
The midfielder was injured against Austria, had to be helped off the pitch and was photographed flying back to London on Tuesday on crutches.
Norway’s team doctor suggested on Wednesday that Odegaard faces “three weeks” out, but Arteta is waiting for further scans.
“We need some more tests,” Arteta told reporters on Friday. “Let’s see what happens in the next day or so. This afternoon probably.
“Let’s see the extent of the injury and how quickly we can get him back. He’s super positive about everything. Martin wants to be here every day, but we have to wait and see.”
Asked if he was hopeful over the prognosis, Arteta said: “I leave that to the doctor.
“[Odegaard]’s willing and he wants to be present in every game, especially a big game like this one. We need to make sure we know first how good he can be or not.
“Players with 48 hours are always available. Let’s see what happens.”
Losing Odegaard, as expected, would be a big blow for Arsenal, especially as they are already with Declan Rice and Mikel Merino for this weekend’s trip to Tottenham and face Manchester City at the Etihad the following weekend.
Rice is suspended for the north London derby after being sent off against Brighton before the international break.
Merino, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad over the summer, will be absent on Sunday after injuring his shoulder in his very first training session with the Gunners.
Arsenal are also without defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has had an knee problem since pre-season.
