Arsenal fans were left fearing the worst over the international break as club captain Martin Odegaard appeared to pick up an ankle injury while away with Norway.
The club captain has been an influential player ever since making the initial loan switch from Real Madrid permanent – which has reflected in him earning the armband.
As a result, Odegaard’s performances locked down the advanced midfield position as his own and subsequently pushed Emile Smith Rowe and Fabio Vieira elsewhere.
In hindsight, sanctioning both exits may be a slight mistake from Mikel Arteta, who is now facing a nightmare situation in his squad.
The Arsenal boss confirmed that Odegaard suffered ankle ligament damage that will keep him out for a period of time.
That can rule the 25-year-old out of action for anywhere from a few weeks to whole months, coming as a huge blow.
It means he is set to miss the Champions League clash with Atalanta before a crucial Premier League tie with Manchester City.
Arsenal fans left devastated by Martin Odegaard injury update
Taking to social media, one supporter said: “I’ve always thought Odegaard was a point of failure for us.
“He leads the press, is the main playmaker, drops into the first phase to help build play and is good for 10 goals a season too. Some fans take him for granted with all he does. Let’s see how we balance this creativity now.”
“Odegaard has ligament damage?!!!! it has never been more over,” another fan said, while one other pointed out: “Odegaard is one of the biggest factors on how we’re able to smoother teams. Underrated presser by the masses by the way people speak on him.”
Another fan tried to look on the bright side, comparing the situation of Manchester City’s last season, saying: “Big big miss without Odegaard but let’s see how we fare without him. City were fine last season without KDB [Kevin de Bruyne], so if we’re as good as we say we are, we can weather this storm. Low block games might be the tough ones for sure.”
Continuing that theme of looking at the positives, another added: “Naturally it’s hard to digest the Odegaard news but look how we performed vs Spurs.
“Arteta will have the lads fired up and we have more than enough options to cope. I truly believe in this coach and this group to deliver. It’s going to be special.”
How Arsenal will cope without Martin Odegaard
So with Odegaard now set to be on the sidelines for a while, attention will turn to how best to replace him in the team.
In the North London Derby, the star’s presence wasn’t missed as much as other games may have done, as Arsenal’s chance creation came from counter-attacking opportunities and set-pieces.
For that reason, similar could occur in the game against Manchester City, though that’s not to downplay the abilities of the Norwegian.
Where it will be tricky is those games against lesser opposition, who are more inclined to drop deep and invite pressure.
Without his magic on the ball and his pressing ability off of it, it may be tougher against that level of team, which is a good majority of the division.
Opting for the likes of Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling are not bad options though – even if they aren’t natural replacements in that position.
It will be a challenge for Arteta and his team, but one they can use to motivate them to cope without their captain.
