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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was forced off injured during the opening stages of their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday lunchtime.
Arsenal have been dealt a major fitness scare after Martin Odegaard was forced off injured against Nottingham Forest during their Premier League clash on Saturday lunchtime, just eight days before Manchester City head to north London in the top-flight.
The Norway playmaker looked to pick up knocks to both his ankle and shoulder within the opening quarter-hour against Ange Postecoglou's men.
It looked as though the midfielder was caught by teammate Jurrien Timber as the Gunners earned an early corner. Following pitch-side treatment, he opted to continue, but moments later was unable to continue.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta subsequently brought on Ethan Nwaneri - in Odegaard's place - and faces a race against time to return for next weekend's match against City.
This setback for Odegaard follows a troublesome beginning to the campaign for the Norwegian.
Just before September's international break, Odegaard sustained a right shoulder problem which sparked fears he might miss this afternoon's Forest encounter. Nevertheless, after eventually turning out for Norway, the playmaker maintained he was fully fit and prepared to feature when Premier League action resumed.
"It hurt a lot, but now I got it under control and I feel ready," Odegaard said.
"It was never an issue [between Norway and Arsenal]. I talk a lot with [Norway manager] Stale Solbakken.
"The club obviously wanted me for Liverpool, and my only job was to get ready."
Odegaard was restricted to substitute duties for the Anfield meeting and could face more time on the side-lines following Saturday lunchtime's setback. Despite Declan Rice being available from the subs bench, it was Nwaneri who came on to replace Odegaard
Prior to the match, Arteta explained that the former West Ham captain's inclusion among his substitutes was part of a rotation strategy in light of the upcoming midweek Champions League fixtures. "The amount of games we play in the next 21 days, it's finding that right balance by making sure everybody is connected," Arteta said.
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