Arsenal Dealt Major Blow as Capt. Odegaard Out Until October

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is expected to be sidelined until October after sustaining an ankle injury while playing for Norway. Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that several other key players will miss the League Cup match against Bolton Wanderers. New signing Raheem Sterling is anticipated to get more playing minutes.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set to remain out of action until October after suffering an ankle injury during international duty for Norway. Manager Mikel Arteta revealed this on Tuesday, adding that several other players will be unavailable for Wednesday's League Cup match against Bolton Wanderers.

Arteta stated, "I think it will be a matter of weeks, but how long exactly I cannot tell. We might get a surprise but I think it's unlikely he'll be back before the international break." The next international window runs from Oct. 7-16 with crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures for Arsenal during this period.

Sunday's intense 2-2 draw at Manchester City saw several Arsenal players needing treatment on the pitch, leading to accusations of delaying tactics. However, Arteta emphasized, "I always prefer the facts to words than supposing things. Let's see who is available tomorrow and then we can talk about dark arts." The League Cup match against lower-tier Bolton presents a chance for fringe players, including new signing Raheem Sterling, to make an impact. "He is hungry to have more minutes and to impact the team in the way he can," said Arteta.