On the eve of their Champions League opener against Atalanta this Thursday, Arsenal are facing a major blow. In a press conference ahead of the trip to Bergamo, Mikel Arteta confirmed the absence of his captain, Martin Odegaard.
The Norwegian attacking midfielder injured his ankle during Norway’s 2-1 victory over Austria in the Nations League on September 9. And the results of recent medical examinations are unfortunately not encouraging.
“It’s an important test for the team”
“The tests showed that the ligaments in his ankle are affected so he will be out. It’s quite serious so we will lose him for a while. I hope it won’t be months.”the Spaniard confided.
Arteta is well aware that the Gunners’ upcoming games, particularly against the 2024 Europa League winners, will pose real challenges without Odegaard.
“He is our captain. He is one of the best players in the team. Our identity is very much linked to his game and his behaviour. It is an important test for the team to see if we are capable of showing a different face.”judged the former Parisian.
