Arsenal star limps off the pitch in Nations League game just days before North London derby

Arsenal fans are fearing the worst after being hit with a huge injury blow ahead of the North London derby.

The Gunners are already without Declan Rice against Spurs after his red card against Brighton in the last Premier League outing.

But captain Martin Odegaard looks to be a huge doubt after limping off in tears while in action for Norway in the Nations League on Monday evening.

The former Real Madrid star appeared to twist his ankle horribly as he went under a challenge from an Austria player.

Odegaard did not require a stretcher but had to be supported by physios as he hobbled off the pitch and was replaced.

New signing Mikel Merino is on the sidelines for a considerable period of time after suffering a shoulder injury in his first training session, while fellow new addition Riccardo Calafiori left the Italy camp after an injury scare.

Arsenal have a difficult set of fixtures approaching, with the Spurs clash followed by a Champions League trip to Europa League winners Atalanta.

Then they take on champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday 22 September.

Image: Getty

Odegaard is integral to Arsenal’s way of playing under Mikel Arteta and made the PFA Team of the Year for the past two seasons after two excellent campaigns.

Naturally, the club’s fans are awaiting an official medical update on Odegaard’s situation.

One reacted: “Rice, Merino & Odegaard, arguably our first choice midfield all out for the NLD. The scriptwriters want us dead.”

A second said: “That looked like a serious injury for Odegaard. I’m pissed man.

A third added: “I actually have no idea how we’re supposed to line up now.”

A fourth fumed: “Martin Odegaard having to be helped off the pitch with an injury, days ahead of the North London Derby, just for the sake of a meaningless f****g friendly for Norway. What a joke.”

A final user commented: “Spurs, Atalanta and Man City, all within a week, and now all without Martin Odegaard. These pointless friendlies a few weeks into the Premier League season can f*** right off.”