MARTIN ODEGAARD has given a concerning update on his ankle injury.
The Arsenal captain sustained the injury during the international break while playing for Norway.
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Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that the midfielder will be sidelined for some time and was unable to give a specific return date.
Odegaard, 25, has already missed matches against Tottenham and Manchester City.
He has now given an update on his recovery but despite making “progress” it felt “different” to previous injuries.
He told Arsenal media: “It was a bad twist to my ankle, and I damaged some ligaments there, but it’s part of football and now I’m just trying to recover as quickly as I can.
“I’m moving forward, making progress and I’m feeling more positive every day.
“I’m working hard and my only thought is to get back as soon as possible.
“I’m at the Sobha Realty Training Centre basically every day now, working hard and doing everything I can do to get better.
“I have to be careful not to push it too much, but at the same time do what I can to make sure I come back as strongly and quickly as possible.
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“I’m trying to support the team in a different way now, if I can’t be on the pitch. That’s my situation, and I have to make the best out of it.
“It’s something I’m not used to. I’ve been quite fortunate, if that’s the word, or have done well to avoid injuries in the past, but this is football and I have to get on with it.
How Cesc Fabregas would deal with Odegaard absence
ARSENAL legend Cesc Fabregas has had his say on how Mikel Arteta should line up following Martin Odegaard’s injury.
He told the Planet Premier League podcast: “I have no doubts that if Mikel puts him [Ethan Nwaneri] in the starting XI or even during the game it’s because he has seen that he’s good enough to make an impact.
“Obviously the consequences of Rice and Odegaard being out helps and makes it a little bit faster than he would have liked but definitely it means that he is on his mind.
“If he’s part of the squad it’s because he really believes that he can bring something to the table.
“I also would like to see Trossard in midfield. I know he likes to come from the wing but he has the capabilities and qualities to play that role of Odegaard. A little more offensive midfielder, No8, No10.
“I think he’s got the qualities to do that. Probably [Thomas] Partey and Jorginho will be the other two midfielders if I am not mistaken.
“But overall, it’s great to see young players making it into the Premier League.”
“I think it was unfortunate to get the injury in the way that I did, but also it could have been worse.
“It was not a nice twist, and when it happened I felt it could be serious.
“I’ve injured my ankle before and the pain felt a bit different this time.”
Odegaard admitted that he was left “scared” by the potential injury and was most keen to find out when he could return.
He added: “That’s what scared me, but from what happened it could have been worse, so in that sense I got away with it a bit.
“Like any player, the first thing I asked the medical team was how long I would be out for, but it’s a bit tricky to say at the moment.
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“In the early stages, it’s crucial to get a proper rest and to make sure everything heals well. After that it’s about getting stronger and building it up again.”
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