Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has sparked fitness concerns for both club and country after being forced off with a leg injury during the Gunners’ Champions League win over Sporting CP.
Arsenal’s hard-fought victory in Lisbon was marred by a second-half injury to Martin Odegaard, who required medical treatment before being substituted in the 70th minute.
The Norwegian playmaker has already missed 23 matches this season due to recurring fitness issues.
Former Norway defender Jesper Mathisen reacted with alarm to the broadcasted footage, describing the visual of the captain clutching his leg as “Like watching a horror movie.”
Despite the concern, Odegaard was seen celebrating with teammates at full-time, offering hope that the setback may be minor.
However, experts like Kjetil Rekdal warn that “the wear and tear is starting to take its toll” following the midfielder’s early start in professional football.
Mikel Arteta now faces an anxious wait to see if his captain can recover for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Bournemouth.