Arsenal star set to be sidelined for a month in major injury blow | OneFootball

Arsenal Captain Martin Odegaard Faces Extended Injury Absence

Arsenal Lose Key Leader to Knee Injury

Arsenal have been dealt a major setback as captain Martin Odegaard faces an extended spell on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury. According to reports, the Norwegian playmaker will be out until after the November international break, missing a crucial run of fixtures that could shape the Gunners’ season across three competitions.

Odegaard suffered the injury during Arsenal’s 2-0 home win over West Ham, with the midfielder forced off in the first half following a collision with Crysencio Summerville. It marked an unwanted Premier League record, as Odegaard became the first player to be substituted in the opening half of three consecutive starts.

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Mikel Arteta’s side will now have to navigate key Premier League encounters against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland without their influential captain, as well as Champions League ties against Atletico Madrid and Slavia Prague, plus a Carabao Cup last-16 meeting with Brighton.

Arteta confirmed after the West Ham victory that his captain “did not feel good” about the injury, and subsequent scans revealed damage to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in Odegaard’s left knee.

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Timeline for Return and Growing Injury Concerns

Odegaard was pictured wearing a knee brace following the match, and the BBC has since reported that he is unlikely to return before the end of November. The Norwegian international has already withdrawn from national duty, though he was seen supporting his teammates from the stands during Norway’s 5-0 win over Israel in Oslo.

This is not the first fitness concern to disrupt Odegaard’s campaign. Earlier in the season, he was managing a shoulder injury sustained in August’s 5-0 win over Leeds, which restricted his minutes in the defeat to Liverpool. Despite making a strong comeback against Olympiacos in Europe, his latest setback has renewed fears about his workload and long-term fitness.

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Arsenal’s Depth Tested Amid Injury List

Arteta’s midfield options are being stretched thin. Declan Rice briefly worried supporters when he limped off with back pain against West Ham but has since returned to full fitness, captaining England in their 3-0 friendly win over Wales.

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However, Arsenal are still contending with injuries to Noni Madueke, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, all recovering from knee issues. There is some optimism that Piero Hincapie could return following the international break after missing time with a groin problem.

With Odegaard absent, Arteta will look to the likes of Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi to provide creativity in midfield. Both have impressed in cameo appearances, but replicating the Norwegian’s authority, control and rhythm will be a significant challenge.

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Key Fixtures Without Arsenal’s Captain

The timing of the injury adds to the frustration. Arsenal face Fulham at Craven Cottage this weekend, followed by the visit of Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. Their first game after the international break is the North London derby against Tottenham, before meetings with Bayern Munich and Chelsea, a run that could define the club’s campaign both domestically and in Europe.

Odegaard’s leadership and precision in possession have been central to Arsenal’s resurgence under Arteta. His absence not only affects the team tactically but also emotionally, with his influence both on and off the pitch impossible to replace easily.