Austria star apologises to Martin Odegaard in 34-word message after leaving Arsenal ace in tears with ankle injury

AUSTRIA star Christoph Baumgartner has apologised to Martin Odegaard after leaving the Arsenal skipper in tears and then on crutches.

Odegaard was in agony after spraining his ankle in a challenge with Baumgartner in Norway’s 2-1 Nations League win in Oslo on Monday night.

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Odegaard cried with pain after a challenge from Baumgartner[/caption]

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Odegaard went back to London early on crutches following the injury[/caption]

The Gunners‘ main playmaker cut short his international break to fly back to London for scans.

Baumgartner has now posted a 34-message on social media to stress the clash was an accident – and to praise his opponent’s talent.

The RB Leipzig midfielder wrote: “Hi guys! I would like to sincerely apologize to Martin Odegaard. 

“It was never my intention to hurt this fantastic player. 

“I wish him all the best and a speedy recovery! Come back stronger.”

Meanwhile, Norway manager Stale Solbakken confirmed Odegaard was forced to return to his club early.

Solbakken told TV2 on Tuesday: “I only spoke to him late last night, but not today. He is having an MRI in London.”

Odegaard’s problem increases Arsenal’s selection dilemma for Sunday’s huge Premier League derby at Tottenham.

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Austria midfielder Baumgartner said sorry on social media[/caption]

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Declan Rice is out through suspension and new midfield colleague Mikel Merino is injured.

At the back £43million summer recruit Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt.

The former main man for Bologna was hurt during Italy’s 3-1 Nations League win against France in Paris last Friday.

But it’s Odegaard who will cause the biggest headache for the Gunners – because his injury could be the most serious.

A minor ankle sprain can mean just a fortnight out, but four to six weeks is common.

And if the issue is severe, Odegaard might even face an absence of three months or so.