Norway manager offers Martin Odegaard injury update after Arsenal return

Norway manager Stale Solbakken has confirmed Martin Odegaard has returned to Arsenal for further scans on his ankle injury.

The Gunners captain limped off during Norway’s 2-1 win over Austria on Monday evening after suffering what has initially been diagnosed as a sprained ankle following a challenge from Christoph Baumgartner.

Odegaard was seen using crutches to board a plane back to London for a more in-depth scan on his injury.

“I only spoke to him late last night, but not today,” Solbakken told TV2 on Tuesday. “He is having an MRI in London, so no one has any results until this afternoon.”

Team doctor Ola Sand had previously stated a MRI would only be necessary if initial scans did not provide any concrete results, meaning Odegaard is still waiting for a formal diagnosis on an injury which could keep him on the sidelines for several weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City are both on the agenda for Arsenal in the coming days, either side of their Champions League opener against Atalanta.

Meanwhile, Austria’s Baumgartner took to social media to offer an apology to Odegaard.

“It was never my intention to harm this wonderful player,” Baumgartner wrote. “I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery. Come back stronger.”

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