MARTIN ODEGAARD was due to have another scan today as Arsenal nervously wait to learn the extent of his ankle injury.
The Gunners captain was forced off midway through the second half of Norway's win against Austria on Monday and is a major doubt for Sunday's north London derby.
Odegaard flew back to London yesterday and was photographed boarding his flight with the aid of crutches.
The midfielder was assessed by Arsenal's medical staff upon his return and is due to have another scan today.
Norway doctor Ola Sand told Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang this morning that the initial signs are Odegaard has not fractured his ankle.
Mikel Arteta will be hoping that is the case, given Arsenal face a crucial week.
After facing Tottenham on Sunday, they travel to Atalanta for their Champions League opener next Thursday, before a trip to champions Manchester City the following Sunday.
Odegaard is the heartbeat of Arteta's team, and now the Spaniard has a serious selection headache, as no one in the squad can match what he brings.
Here, we assess the manager's options.
DROP HAVERTZ INTO MIDFIELD
This feels the most likely solution if Odegaard is out for an extended period.
Denne historien er fra September 11, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 11, 2024-utgaven av Evening Standard.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.