Arsenal Suffers Blow As Martin Ødegaard Ruled Out With MCL Injury

‎Arsenal expected Martin Ødegaard to be out for roughly six more weeks with the knee injury he picked up before the international break.

‎The captain, who clutched his left knee after colliding with Crysencio Summerville in the first half of the 2-0 win over West Ham, helped push Arteta’s side to the top of the table.

‎Ødegaard twice attempted to carry on after treatment before being replaced by Martín Zubimendi, and Arteta said the 26-year-old had left the ground with his knee in a brace.

‎Arsenal confirmed last week that medical tests revealed Martin Ødegaard had suffered medial collateral ligament damage.

‎As a result, the midfielder withdrew from Norway’s squad for their World Cup qualifier against Israel and a friendly with New Zealand. Although surgery will not be required, Ødegaard is expected to be sidelined until after the next international break beginning on November 10.

‎His injury means he will miss seven matches, including league fixtures against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland, as well as Champions League clashes with Atlético Madrid and Slavia Prague, plus a Carabao Cup tie against Brighton.

‎Arsenal are optimistic that Martin Ødegaard could return in time for the north London derby against Tottenham on 23 November.

‎The midfielder has already missed games this season due to a shoulder problem and previously spent nearly two months sidelined last year with an ankle injury sustained on international duty.

‎In his absence, Eberechi Eze has taken over the creative midfield role, while England Under-21 star Ethan Nwaneri has also impressed as a backup option.

‎Ødegaard will join Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke on the sidelines.

‎The summer signing Piero Hincapié, who has been restricted to one substitute appearance, is expected to return from a groin injury after this international break.