Martin Odegaard is set to miss at least three weeks of action after suffering an ankle injury with Norway on international duty.
Arsenal star Odegaard limped off in the second half of his country's 2-1 win over Austria in the Nations League on Monday in worrying signs for Gunners supporters.
Odegaard appeared to be in tears as he hobbled off the pitch, before he was later seen on crutches as he limped on to a private jet, with the issue described as a 'bad ankle injury'.
And, according to Norway's team doctor Ola Sand, the 25-year-old - who underwent medical examinations in London on Tuesday - looks to have avoided a broken ankle, but he is expected to be out of action for at least the rest of September.
'Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks,' he told Norwegian outlet VG. 'Anything other than that is just a bonus. And then it can take longer.
'Ankle injuries are very painful right away. With Martin, it was extremely painful. He became very worried.
'They are studying the MR images now, and have sent them on. No violation is suspected. What we have so far obtained from the MRI examination in London is that there is probably no fracture in the ankle.
'In the event of a fracture, we are talking about being out of action for six weeks plus.'
News of Odegaard's injury comes as a huge blow for Mikel Arteta, with the Arsenal captain certain to miss their north London derby against Tottenham on Sunday.
That comes with his fellow midfield talisman Declan Rice already suspended for the clash after he was sent off last time out against Brighton, while new £33million signing Mikel Merino is out with a fractured shoulder.
There are also concerns from Norway's point of view that Odegaard could be absent for the next international break, with Stale Solbakken's side set to face Slovenia and Austria on October 10 and October 13.
If that proved to be the case, Odegaard could miss up to seven Arsenal matches over the next month.
Along with the north London derby, this would include a crunch Premier League game against Man City, along with Champions League ties with Atalanta and PSG.
Sand, who revealed Arsenal have taken over care for Odegaard, also explained the next steps for Odegaard.
'He has had it (ankle injuries) before,' he added. 'It is always a bit difficult to interpret an MR image when you have had an old injury. But Arsenal are almost certain there is no breach. But this may still take some time.
'His response to the rehabilitation in the next few weeks is the most important. It will start carefully on the bike, carefully in relation to what he can tolerate from pain. Then you take it gradually.'
Solbakken bemoaned the injury, highlighting how things would be much more difficult if Odegaard is unavailable.
Arteta is certain to be in the same boat, with the Norwegian having been somewhat of an ever-present since moving to the Emirates - initially on loan - in January 2021.
In total, the midfielder has played 156 times for the club, scoring 31 goals and adding 23 assists, with the 25-year-old quickly progressing to club captain ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Following Sunday's clash with Tottenham, Arsenal are set to begin their Champions League campaign against Atalanta next Thursday.
