Arsenal fans are fearing the worst after being hit with a huge injury blow ahead of the North London derby.
The Gunners will be without Declan Rice for the match against Spurs due to his red card in the previous Premier League game against Brighton.
Captain Martin Odegaard is also a major concern after leaving the pitch in tears following an ankle injury sustained during Norway’s Nations League match on Monday. He appeared to twist his ankle severely while being challenged by an Austrian player.
Although Odegaard did not need a stretcher, he was assisted by physios as he limped off the field and was substituted.
New recruit Mikel Merino will be out for a significant period due to a shoulder injury sustained during his first training session, and fellow new signing Riccardo Calafiori has left the Italy camp following an injury scare.
Arsenal faces a challenging schedule ahead, with the Spurs game followed by a Champions League fixture against Europa League champions Atalanta, and then a match against reigning champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, September 22.
Odegaard plays a crucial role in Arsenal’s tactics under Mikel Arteta and has been named to the PFA Team of the Year for the last two seasons due to his outstanding performances. Fans are eagerly awaiting an official medical update on his condition.
One supporter expressed frustration: “Rice, Merino, and Odegaard—potentially our top midfielders—all out for the North London derby. It’s like the scriptwriters are against us.”
Another fan commented: “Odegaard’s injury looks severe. I’m really upset.”
A third fan added: “I have no idea how we’re going to manage our lineup now.”
Arsenal fans are dismayed by the injury blow as the team approaches a challenging fixture list, including the North London derby, a Champions League match against Atalanta, and a game against Manchester City.
New signings Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori are also unavailable, with Merino sidelined for a significant time due to a shoulder injury and Calafiori leaving the Italy camp due to an injury scare.
Fans are reacting with frustration over the timing of these injuries, with some criticizing the scheduling of international friendlies that seem to have disrupted their team’s plans.
