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Charles Watts reveals the exact problem Arsenal are facing with Martin Odegaard’s ankle injury
Martin Odegaard’s ankle injury came as a massive blow for Arsenal and Norway as the midfielder limped out against Austria.
The 25-year-old was screeching in pain and hobbled off the pitch in serious discomfort, raising concerns that he could be out for a prolonged period.
Since the incident, contrasting claims have emerged on his injury lay-off, although Arsenal are yet to officially address the situation.
Yesterday, James Benge suggested that Odegaard could be out until the next international break, which would come as a massive blow to the Gunners’ Premier League title hopes.
However, Charles Watts has allayed such fears, although he believes Arsenal are facing a bit of an issue as they look to put a timeframe on his absence.
Arsenal waiting for Martin Odegaard’s swelling to reduce
Watts provided a rather lengthy update on Odegaard and indicated that Arsenal are hopeful he won’t be out for too long.
However, with his ankle swelling yet to reduce, the Gunners face an anxious wait to determine just how long he’ll be out of action.
“There are suggestions that the early signs with Odegaard are hopeful,” Watts said on his YouTube channel.
“It might not be as bad as it could have been – three weeks is a bonus but it could be longer. It doesn’t look like a fracture but Arsenal are still assessing Odegaard day to day.
“He had another scan yesterday but the problem is his ankle is really swollen at the moment so the scan results are not perfect. Sometimes you have to wait for the swelling to go down to determine the true extent of the damage.
“Arsenal are pretty hopeful that he could be back sooner rather than later and that it might not be the lengthy layoff that was expected when he left the pitch against Austria.”
Who will play in place of Odegaard against Tottenham Hotspur?
With Mikel Merino injured and Declan Rice suspended, Arsenal have been reduced to their bare bones in midfield.
Jorginho and Thomas Partey are shoo-ins to start, but it remains to be seen what the Gunners do with their third midfield spot.
Kai Havertz could drop into midfield, with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli playing in attack.
If Arteta decides against that option, Ethan Nwaneri could occupy the attacking midfield role in what would be his first competitive start for the club.
BBC Sport journalist Mark Chapman claims he’s heard whispers that Nwaneri will get the nod, potentially making it the biggest day of his career so far.
With Mikel Arteta set to address the media tomorrow, we’re likely to get an update on Odegaard’s injury and who could potentially replace him for the crunch clash against Tottenham.