Norway captain Martin Ødegaard out for a while after tearing ankle ligaments. Arsenal have confirmed the news, and manager Mikel Arteta announced it in a press conference on Wednesday.

Details of Injury and Immediate Impact

Ødegaard, 25, picked up the injury in Norway's Nations League clash with Austria on September 9 and was forced off the field. He was later pictured on crutches when he returned to London, suggesting a more severe problem. He was badly missed straight away, not least in that eagerly awaited North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, which hardly turned out the way Arsenal would have wanted.

Opening up on Ødegaard's injury news before facing Bergamo side Atalanta in a pivotal Champions League curtain-raiser, Arteta detailed: "We've looked at it and we had some scans. It is a big injury and will keep him out for a while." Arteta said while he hoped Ødegaard could return within a matter of months, it wasn't possible to put a date on his recovery at this point: "But let's see."

Important Man for the Gunners

Ødegaard is a key loss to Arsenal, where he has become one of the most integral parts of Mikel Arteta's side in recent years. The hallmark of a great player, Ødegaard and his beautiful feet have been at the heart of Arsenal since his arrival halfway through last season via Real Madrid, failing to start just a few matches. He is "one of the biggest and best players in our team," Arteta added, highlighting his significance to the squad.

When you look at the way Arteta finished, he concluded: "Our identity is going to be linked – and has been linked for a long time -- with his [Ødegaard's] presence on that field and how much he plays." His leadership and attributes work for Arsenal in terms of how they want to play the game, and it's definitely a blow now, especially as Ødegaard has the belief — not overconfidence by any means — he does great things.

Norway's Perspective

The implications of Ødegaard's injury are far-reaching – beyond just Arsenal. Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken confirmed he had been updated on Ødegaard's situation. He said: "We have to do it week by week now and day by day." Solbakken is not suggesting a quick recovery and added, "Some kinds of damage move faster and some slower." Preparing for life without Ødegaard, Solbakken hinted at his ever-growing significance with the national team. Spain may also feel his absence on the international scene.

Team Dynamics and Future Challenges

Arsenal are currently 2nd in the Premier League, only two points behind leaders Manchester City, but they will need to adjust quickly without their dependable captain. Arteta said, "This is a big test for the team to show how we can change things and do things in a different way without Ødegaard."

It is a testing spell coming up for the Gunners, who this time have to depend on their squad and might need to change tactically slightly without their skipper. That is expected to shift, however, due to the busy upcoming Arsenal schedule, and the club will be forced to source alternatives for Ødegaard and rush him back into form as soon as possible. The upcoming period will be significant for both the club and the player to ensure they can navigate this setback and stay on track to challenge for trophies this campaign.

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