Martin Odegaard receives 'sincere' apology from Austria star who left him in tears & needing crutches with Arsenal midfielder set to miss Tottenham clash after Norway doctor update

Norway's 2-1 win over Austria in the Nations League on Monday night was overshadowed by Odegaard's ankle injury, which he sustained following a challenge from Baumgartner. The 25-year-old limped off in tears and got Arsenal fans and coaching staff worrying about his availability over the coming weeks. Now, he's received a "sincere" apology from the Austria player who fouled him.

Baumgartner posted on Instagram: "Hi guys! I would like to sincerely apologise to Martin Odegaard. It was never my intention to injure this fantastic player. I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery! Come back stronger @odegaard.98"

Norway national team doctor Ola Sand has now given a timeframe for Odegaard's recovery, which suggests he won't be available to play against Tottenham in the Premier League this weekend.

"Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks," Sands said to VG Sporten. "Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer."

The precise details of Odegaard's injury are yet to be confirmed, but if Sand's assessment is correct he will miss a series of important games for Arsenal. Odegaard was also spotted on crutches as he boarded a plane to return to England after international duty, and Mikel Arteta could face a selection headache in midfield without the 25-year-old.

Tottenham will play host to Arsenal in the first north London derby of the season on Sunday, with three points separating the two sides in the table after the first three rounds of Premier League games in 2024-25. The Gunners may be short on midfield depth with Odegaard out, because summer signing Mikel Merino is also unavailable due to a shoulder issue.