Finding a new heartbeat to keep Gunners ticking is tough

Simon Collings weighs up Arteta’s options if Odegaard is ruled out of Sunday’s derby

- Simon Collings

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.

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