Mikel Arteta has said that no timeframe has been placed on a return for injured Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
Odegaard sustained ankle ligament damage while representing Norway during September’s international break.
The midfielder has missed Arsenal’s last two fixtures and will be a major absentee when the Gunners take on Premier League champions and potential title rivals Manchester City this weekend.
Odegaard’s injury is understood to be worse than first feared and Arteta said Arsenal have not placed a timeframe on his return at this stage.
“We need to see the development in the next week or so, how the ankle reacts first of all and then the staff will give me an update on the timeframe and how long he’ll be out for,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
No new injuries for Arsenal ahead of City clash
It was otherwise an encouraging update on his squad from Arteta, who confirmed Arsenal have no new injuries ahead of the trop to the Etihad.
“Not really [any fresh injuries]. Straight after the Atalanta match, we need to recover, sleep, eat well and everyone is looking forward to the match.
“We know what it means, we know what we’re fighting for and it’s a great opportunity for the team to show what we’re capable of.”
