The Arsenal playmaker was ruled out for several weeks after sustaining the injury while on international duty with Norway earlier this month but explained that the problem isn't as bad as first feared and that he is working to get back on the pitch as soon as possible.
Writing in the programme for Arsenal's Carabao Cup game against Bolton on Wednesday (25.09.24), Odegaard said: "It’s been a while since my last programme notes, so I thought I would start with the latest on my injury.
"It was a bad twist to my ankle, and I damaged some ligaments there, but it’s part of football and now I’m just trying to recover as quickly as I can.
"I’m moving forward, making progress and I’m feeling more positive every day. I’m working hard and my only thought is to get back as soon as possible.
"I’m at the Sobha Realty Training Centre basically every day now, working hard and doing everything I can do to get better.
"I have to be careful not to push it too much, but at the same time do what I can to make sure I come back as strongly and quickly as possible. I’m trying to support the team in a different way now, if I can’t be on the pitch. That’s my situation, and I have to make the best out of it."
Odegaard thinks he has "got away with" the injury as it could have been a lot more severe.
The Gunners captain said: "It's something I’m not used to. I’ve been quite fortunate, if that’s the word, or have done well to avoid injuries in the past, but this is football and I have to get on with it.
"I think it was unfortunate to get the injury in the way that I did, but also it could have been worse. It was not a nice twist, and when it happened I felt it could be serious.
"I’ve injured my ankle before and the pain felt a bit different this time. That’s what scared me, but from what happened it could have been worse, so in that sense I got away with it a bit.
"Like any player, the first thing I asked the medical team was how long I would be out for, but it’s a bit tricky to say at the moment. In the early stages, it's crucial to get a proper rest and to make sure everything heals well. After that it’s about getting stronger and building it up again."
