Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice add to Arsenal’s growing injury list | OneFootball

Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over West Ham lifted them to the summit of the Premier League, but the mood at the Emirates was far from celebratory as key midfielders Martin Ødegaard (26) and Declan Rice (26) both limped off injured, deepening Mikel Arteta’s growing injury crisis.

As reported by Sky Sports, Ødegaard was forced off after just 30 minutes following a collision with Crysencio Summerville. The Norwegian captain, who had only recently returned from a shoulder problem, was later seen leaving the stadium with his knee in a brace. His withdrawal marked an unwanted record, becoming the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts.

“He had a clash knee-to-knee, and immediately he was uncomfortable,” Arteta said post-match. “He’s not positive about it. He’s got a brace on. We’ll have to wait and see from the doctors.”

Rice, meanwhile, added Arsenal’s opening goal against his former club before departing late on with a back issue. “He’s not alright because he asked to come off,” Arteta explained. “That’s very unusual for Declan. We’ll have to assess him.”

Key players missing for Arsenal

The double setback compounds an already punishing injury list for the Gunners, who are without Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Noni Madueke, and Piero Hincapié, among others. Arsenal have suffered at least one injury in six of their seven league matches this season, a worrying trend for a side balancing domestic ambitions with European competition.

Still, the win keeps Arsenal’s title charge on course. Arteta vowed to “find solutions,” but admitted losing his captain was a “huge blow.” Arsenal next face Fulham after the international break, hoping both Ødegaard and Rice can avoid long-term absences.

GFN | Finn Entwistle