Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard faces several weeks out with an MCL injury and could miss up to seven matches before November.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been diagnosed with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury after being forced off early in the 2-0 win over West Ham United on Saturday, the club confirmed in an official statement.
The Norwegian midfielder was substituted after just 30 minutes following a clash of knees with Crysencio Summerville, making him the first player to be withdrawn in the first half of three consecutive Premier League starts. Odegaard had also been substituted early against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest due to a recurring shoulder problem.
“Martin Odegaard has been withdrawn from the Norway national team for their upcoming matches against Israel and New Zealand after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee during the first half in Saturday’s win over West Ham United,” Arsenal said. “Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team at Sobha Realty Training Centre during the international window, with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible.”
While the club did not specify a recovery timeline, Odegaard is expected to miss several key fixtures, including clashes with Fulham (Oct 18), Atletico Madrid (Oct 21), Crystal Palace (Oct 26), Brighton (Oct 29), Burnley (Nov 1), Slavia Prague (Nov 4), and Sunderland (Nov 8).
If the injury proves more serious, he could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks, though early signs suggest he has avoided the worst-case scenario.