Ødegaard’s Injury Update

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is set to miss at least another month of action after sustaining a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury during Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over West Ham on October 4.

The 26-year-old midfielder was forced off in the first half after showing visible discomfort. Initially, Arsenal did not provide a specific return date, but reports now indicate Ødegaard is unlikely to be available before the conclusion of the November international break.

---

Fixtures Ødegaard Will Miss

With this timeline, Ødegaard faces the prospect of missing several key fixtures for both club and country:

Premier League:

• Fulham
• Crystal Palace
• Burnley
• Sunderland

Champions League:

• Atlético Madrid
• Slavia Prague

This absence comes at a crucial stage of the season, with Arsenal competing on multiple fronts domestically and in Europe.

---

Implications for Arsenal

The Gunners will need to adapt their midfield setup in Ødegaard’s absence. Known for his creativity, leadership, and goal contributions, missing the Norwegian captain could impact Arsenal’s rhythm in the Premier League title race and their Champions League campaign.

Interim solutions may include relying on players like Martinelli, Fabio Vieira, or Emile Smith Rowe to fill the creative gap in midfield.

---

Timeline for Return

If Ødegaard progresses as expected, he could be available for selection after the November international break, potentially returning for Arsenal’s late November Premier League fixtures.

Manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized caution with injuries, particularly knee ligaments, highlighting that “rushing a player back risks a longer-term setback.”

---

Conclusion:
Arsenal face a temporary but significant blow with Ødegaard sidelined for a series of pivotal matches. His absence will test squad depth and tactical flexibility as the club aims to maintain its competitive edge in the league and Europe.