How many matches will Martin Odegaard miss for Arsenal through injury?

Captain Martin Odegaard has had a "quite significant" ankle ligament injury, according to manager Mikel Arteta. On Monday, September 9, in Norway's UEFA Nations League victory against Austria, the midfield player hobbled off. Midway through the second half, Odegaard went down in pain after being fouled by Christoph Baumgartner and injuring his left ankle.

He missed Sunday's 1-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby as he went to Arsenal for an MRI. Due to his injury, Odegaard, 25, will not be able to go to Italy or see his team's matchup against Manchester City on Sunday in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta spoke to the media prior to Arsenal’s opening encounter in the UEFA Champions League against Atalanta.  He said, "The scan showed some damage around the ligaments in the ankle so we are going to miss him. It's something quite significant so we are going to lose him for a while. Hopefully not months."

The former Everton midfielder said, "He's our captain. He's been one of the biggest and best players in our team. Our identity is very linked to how he plays and behaves. It's a big test for the team to see how able we are to show a different face."

Arsenal handed boost ahead of UEFA Champions League opener

Bukayo Saka's return to full fitness has given Arsenal hope ahead of their UEFA Champions League start against Atalanta on Thursday. Saka is healthy to play against Atalanta despite being substituted late in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Sunday. Arsenal supporters would be hoping that the English winger would be fit for the upcoming fixtures. 

Following his injury sustained while playing for Italy, Riccardo Calafiori has resumed his training. He was not present for the Spurs' victory. Declan Rice will be back for Arsenal's match in Italy on Thursday after serving a suspension for the team's victory against Tottenham last week, which left them shorthanded by seven first-team players.