Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has undergone additional tests on his injured ankle after an initial scan on Tuesday proved inconclusive.
Despite concerns, there is optimism that the midfielder won’t face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
However, the full extent of the injury will only be known after the results of a follow-up scan, which took place today.
The Gunners have refrained from putting a specific timeframe on Odegaard’s recovery.
However, it’s increasingly likely that he will miss Sunday’s crucial North London Derby against arch-rivals Tottenham.
Martin Odegaard returned to London via private jet on Tuesday after sustaining the injury during Norway’s Nations League match against Austria on Monday night.
Upon his arrival, the Arsenal medical team conducted an initial scan, but swelling around the joint hindered a clear diagnosis.
It is hoped that today’s tests will provide more definitive information on the injury.
Norwegian team doctor Ole Sand has predicted that Odegaard’s lay-off could last around three weeks, though this remains to be confirmed.
Sand said: “Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks.
“Anything other than that is just a bonus.
“And then it can take longer.
“What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle.”
Arsenal might be without up to eight key players for their upcoming North London derby against Tottenham, with Mikel Arteta facing a potential injury crisis.
Several players have picked up new injuries during the international break, adding to the Gunners’ mounting concerns.
Declan Rice will also be unavailable, not due to injury, but because of a suspension following his controversial second yellow card during Arsenal’s 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Odegaard and Rice will be significant losses for Arsenal’s midfield as they aim to maintain their title push.
They may be joined on the sidelines by new signing Riccardo Calafiori, who sustained an unusual injury during Italy’s Nations League win over France.
Calafiori collided with Ousmane Dembélé, who fell on him awkwardly, forcing the Italian off the pitch.
Defender Jurrien Timber is another doubt after he suffered an issue in the same match against Brighton, although Arteta has downplayed the severity of the problem, referring to it as “just cramping.”
Gabriel Jesus has also been battling a groin injury, keeping him out of action since Arsenal’s opening day 2-0 win over Wolves, and remains a doubt for the Spurs clash.
Additionally, Arsenal’s new £31m signing, Mikel Merino, has been ruled out after injuring his shoulder in his first training session following his transfer from Real Sociedad.
The injury could sideline him for several months, further deepening Arteta’s injury woes.
Two other players are confirmed to be unavailable.
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has been dealing with a persistent knee injury since the summer, and Kieran Tierney, who is not currently in Arteta’s plans.
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