- Martin Odegaard was photographed limping onto a private plane at Oslo airport
- Odegaard suffered a knock to his ankle with Norway days before Arsenal’s clash with Spurs
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Martin Odegaard was pictured limping onto a private jet at Oslo Airport after suffering an injury while on international duty with Norway.
Odegaard suffered an ankle injury following a challenge from Christoph Baumgartner and was taken off in the 67th minute of Monday’s 2-1 win over Austria.
He appeared to be in agony as he fell to the ground and clutched his ankle before Norway’s medical team helped him off the field.
The 25-year-old playmaker has since been unveiled at Oslo Airport ahead of his return to Arsenal, boarding a private jet while using a pair of crutches.
The pilot helped Odegaard up the stairs of the Honda HA-420 plane while his girlfriend Helene Spilling followed behind him holding their dog in her arms.
Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard has been dealt a blow by a sprained ankle in Norway.
The midfielder appeared to be in agony after a challenge from Christoph Baumgartner.
Erling Haaland was among the players who consoled Odegaard, who appeared to be in tears.
Odegaard cut a sombre figure as he approached the steps of the plane wearing a grey sweatshirt and a pair of black trousers and a designer backpack on his back.
The 25-year-old, who handed his crutches to the pilot as he climbed the stairs, was doing his best to avoid putting weight on his left foot.
The news of Odegaard’s injury will be a huge blow for the Gunners, who face north London rivals Tottenham in just five days.
“Martin Odegaard’s injury left a bad impression in the dressing room,” Norway coach Stale Solbakken said after Monday night’s game.
National team doctor Ola Sand told TV2: “He has a slight sprain in his ankle. We’ll see, maybe we’ll use an ultrasound to see it.” If we are not sure, we will have an MRI.”
Odegaard’s girlfriend was in the stands to witness the incident and appeared visibly distressed as medical staff helped the Arsenal midfielder limp off the pitch.
The Gunners captain revealed he and Spilling, a dancer from Norway, are expecting a child in a social media post a week ago.
Depending on the severity of Odegaard’s injury, it could leave Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta with a major headache in midfield.
Declan Rice is suspended for Spurs’ clash following his controversial red card against Brighton, while £33million summer signing Mikel Merino is also injured.
The Instagram post, captioned “Can’t wait to meet you, our little baby,” showed off Spilling’s baby bump as the pair embraced for a seaside photo.
Depending on the severity of Odegaard’s injury, it could leave Mikel Arteta with a major headache in midfield.
Declan Rice is suspended for Spurs’ clash following his controversial red card against Brighton, while £33million summer signing Mikel Merino is also injured.
Merino suffered a fractured shoulder in his first training session, meaning Arteta could stick with Thomas Partey and Jorginho as starters in midfield against Spurs.
A wider injury crisis is taking shape for the Gunners, who are also mourning the freak injury of £42million man Riccardo Calafiori.
Spilling (above), 28, and Odegaard, 25, announced they are expecting a child in August.
The left-back left the Italian team after suffering a blow to the ankle when Ousmane Dembélé accidentally stepped on it following a challenge from Alessandro Bastoni.
Arsenal sit fourth in the table after two wins and a draw, while Tottenham have four points after their three games.
