Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set to miss up to six weeks after suffering a knee injury in the Premier League win over West Ham, the club have confirmed.
The Norwegian playmaker went down clutching his left knee after a collision with Crysencio Summerville during Arsenal’s 2–0 victory before the international break — a result that sent Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the table.
Martin Odegaard attempted to continue twice after receiving on-field treatment but was eventually substituted for Martín Zubimendi. Arteta later revealed that the 26-year-old had left the stadium wearing a knee brace.
Extent of Ødegaard’s Injury Confirmed
Medical tests confirmed that Ødegaard sustained medial collateral ligament (MCL) damage, forcing him to withdraw from Norway’s squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Israel and a friendly with New Zealand.
While the midfielder has avoided surgery, club sources believe he will not return before the next international break beginning November 10.
That timeline would see him miss at least seven matches, including:
Premier League fixtures against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland
Champions League clashes with Atletico Madrid and Slavia Prague
A Carabao Cup tie against Brighton
Arsenal Hopeful for Tottenham Return
Despite the setback, Arsenal remain hopeful their captain could be fit in time for the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur on November 23.
Martin Odegaard has already struggled with injuries this season — a shoulder problem sidelined him earlier in the campaign, and he also missed nearly two months last season due to an ankle injury sustained on international duty.
In Odegaard’s absence, Eberechi Eze has been filling in as Arsenal’s creative hub, while promising youngster Ethan Nwaneri has also impressed when given opportunities in attacking midfield.
Injury List Grows for Mikel Arteta
The Norwegian joins Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke on Arsenal’s growing injury list. Meanwhile, summer signing Piero Hincapié is edging closer to a return from a groin injury and is expected to be available shortly after the international break.
Odegaard’s absence is a significant blow for Arsenal’s title ambitions, with the midfielder having been central to Arteta’s tactical system and creativity in the final third.
