Mikel Arteta provides double Arsenal injury update after West Ham win | OneFootball

Arsenal Waiting On Injury News After Odegaard And Rice Withdrawals

Key Figures Forced Off As Arsenal Defeat West Ham

Arsenal secured a 2-0 win over West Ham, but the result came at a cost as both Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice were withdrawn with injuries. Mikel Arteta confirmed after the match that both players will need to be assessed further before any conclusions can be drawn.

Odegaard’s evening lasted only 17 minutes. The Arsenal captain collided knee to knee with Crysencio Summerville while attempting a challenge. He received treatment and attempted to continue but went down again soon after, signalling to the bench that he could not continue. His season has already been disrupted by fitness concerns, and this setback adds further frustration.

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Rice, meanwhile, was replaced in the second half after experiencing discomfort in his lower back. Known for playing through minor knocks, his decision to request substitution suggested genuine concern.

Arteta Admits Worry Over Injury Situation

Speaking after full time, Arteta offered a candid update on both players.

“He had a clash, knee to knee. Immediately, he was uncomfortable.

“He’s not positive about it. He has a brace on it. Hopefully it’s not that bad.

“We haven’t had him since the start of the season for one reason or the other. The shoulder twice and then this injury. We have to wait and see the extent of that injury.

“We will find solutions, but obviously, he’s our captain, he’s a player that gives us a completely different dimension with the things that he can do, especially in attacking.”

He then addressed Rice’s situation.

“He is not alright because he asked me to come off. He had pain in his back and had to come off. It’s very unusual for Declan.”

Rice’s departure will concern England as well as Arsenal, with his status for the upcoming international fixtures now uncertain.

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Persistent Fitness Problems For Odegaard

This latest setback continues a difficult run for Odegaard, who has already been managing a shoulder issue picked up in August during a 5-0 win over Leeds. Although he recovered enough to return, he aggravated it again during a recent victory against Nottingham Forest.

As a result, he has managed only five starts in Arsenal’s opening ten matches this season. Saturday marked the third consecutive Premier League fixture in which he failed to complete the first half.

He was already omitted from Norway’s squad for the upcoming October international break, which may now prove fortunate timing. Arsenal will hope rest brings clarity, though Arteta will be eager to avoid losing his captain for an extended period.

Arsenal Squad Depth Set For Examination

Should both players be sidelined, Arsenal’s midfield configuration will face early stress. Odegaard provides creativity between the lines, directing tempo and finding gaps in tight spaces. Rice brings authority, control and defensive stability. Losing one compromises rhythm. Losing both invites disruption.

Arteta has rotated effectively this season, however, none replicate Odegaard’s orchestration or Rice’s positional intelligence.

Arsenal have ambitions stretching across domestic and European fronts. Injuries are inevitable across a long campaign, yet timing matters. Losing senior leadership figures during a busy fixture run demands swift adaptation.

Arsenal produced a professional display against West Ham. Whether they can continue that form without their captain and midfield anchor remains to be seen.