Liverpool handed injury boost as key Arsenal player will miss October clash

Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard is set to be sidelined for the crucial match against Liverpool next month.

The Norwegian star sustained an ankle injury while on international duty and is likely to be out of action for eight weeks, missing two significant games in the title race. Odegaard was absent during Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Tottenham on Sunday and the goalless draw with Atalanta in the Champions League. However, he was seen alongside his teammates in Arsenal's annual team photo earlier this week.

Despite this, it will be a considerable amount of time before Odegaard returns to the pitch. In total, the 25-year-old could miss 13 matches. Manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that his injury is more severe than initially thought by both the club and Norway.

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However, following advice from top medical professionals, there is hope that Odegaard can return in eight weeks, according to the Daily Star. The home game against Nottingham Forest on November 23 is earmarked as his potential return date.

This means Odegaard is likely to miss the upcoming trip to Manchester City on Sunday and the clash with Liverpool on October 27 - both key matches in Arsenal's quest to win its first title in 21 years.

Odegaard's absence will be keenly felt by Arsenal after his pivotal performances against Liverpool last season, including setting up Gabriel's goal in the 1-1 draw at Anfield and playing a key role in the Gunners' 3-1 victory at the Emirates in February. His unavailability could tip the scales in favor of Liverpool as it prepares for a crucial encounter in north London next month.

Liverpool's next game is against Bournemouth on Saturday. The Reds have made a decent start to the season under new head coach Arne Slot, winning four of their first five games - including Tuesday's 3-1 triumph against AC Milan in the Champions League. Liverpool's only defeat was a surprise 1-0 loss to Forest at Anfield last weekend.