Odegaard exits injured as Haaland nets winner for Norway

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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was forced off with an injury as Manchester City striker Erling Haaland scored a late winner for Norway in their Nations League match against Austria.

Odegaard appeared in significant pain after suffering an ankle injury following a challenge by Christoph Baumgartner midway through the second half.

The midfielder’s availability for Sunday’s North London derby is now uncertain, with the Gunners already set to be without Declan Rice, who is suspended for the match against Tottenham.

“It looked painful in the locker room,” Norway boss Stale Solbakken told TV2.

“We know it was an ankle sprain. With luck it can turn out OK, if the ligaments aren’t torn, but I’m not really sure [Arsenal boss Mikel] Arteta will call me tonight to praise me.”

Team doctor Ola Sand provided an update, saying: “He has a minor ankle sprain. We will assess the situation further, possibly using ultrasound. If there’s any doubt, an MRI will be done tomorrow.”

Odegaard sustained the injury while the score was 1-1, after Felix Myhre’s goal for Norway was equalized by Marcel Sabitzer in the first half.

The League B Group 3 match seemed destined for a draw, but Erling Haaland, who has already netted seven goals for Manchester City this season, displayed impressive strength and composure to control a pass into the box and score the winner.

Following Sunday’s North London derby, Arsenal face Atalanta in the Champions League on 19 September, and then take on Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on 22 September.

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