It has emerged that Martin Odegaard missed back-to-back Arsenal games due to concussion after being hit in the face with a ball in training.
The 24-year-old Norwegian, a regular for Mikel Arteta's side this season, was absent from their last three games against Newcastle, Sevilla and Burnley this month.
Odegaard has been struggling with a hip injury but a report from the Daily Mail suggests his absence from the previously mentioned games comes after an unfortunate training ground incident.
Advert
It is said Arsenal's captain took a ball to the face during a session at London Colney, just days before their 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on November 4.
The impact is said to have been heavy enough to be classed as concussion, with rules stating players must rest for six days.
They must also be symptom free before making a return.
Odegaard, who missed last weekend's 3-1 home win over Burnley, will also stay in North London during Norway's upcoming games against the Faroe Islands and Scotland.
Advert
But the report suggests his absence from international duty stems from his ongoing hip injury rather than anything else.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are 'confident' he will fit to return when they come up against Brentford later this month.
When asked when Odegaard will be fit, Arteta recently said: "I don't know. I am going to have a meeting now with the medical department and Edu to understand everyone's situation.
Advert
"But I think he is going to be back after the international break. I don't know exactly what is the decision and the communication at the moment."
Arteta added: "I’d prefer to be at the top [of the Premier League] but this is what we have to do and we have shown a lot of consistency both in the way that we are playing and competing and as well in terms of results.
"So let’s carry on, we’ve got some momentum now and as I said, we’ve got some players back. Let’s go again."
Featured Image Credit: Getty ImagesTopics: Arsenal, Martin Odegaard, Mikel Arteta, Premier League