Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard ruled out until mid-November with knee injury

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard (26) is expected to be out until mid-November after suffering a medial collateral ligament injury in his knee, a blow to Mikel Arteta’s plans ahead of a crucial run of matches, BBC Sport reports.

The Norwegian midfielder suffered an injury during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham on October 4 and was forced to retire midway through the first half. While the club initially confirmed his absence for the current international break, medical assessments have since revealed his recovery will continue until next month.

Advertisement

Ødegaard’s injury means he will miss key Premier League matches against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland, as well as Champions League clashes with Atletico Madrid and Slavia Prague.

The setback worsens what has been a disrupted season for the 26-year-old, who has been withdrawn early in three consecutive league matches due to fitness concerns. Arsenal face Tottenham Hotspur immediately after the November international break, and Ødegaard’s fitness for the north London derby remains uncertain, a lingering concern for a team seeking domestic and European success.

GFN | Finn Entwistle