Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is set to be out of action until after the November international break, following confirmation that he has suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury to his knee. The 26-year-old Norwegian sustained the injury during Arsenal’s 3-1 Premier League win over West Ham United on October 4 and was forced off midway through the first half.
Although the club initially released a brief statement confirming his withdrawal from international duty, no return date was provided at the time. However, reports now indicate that Ødegaard will not be available for selection until mid-to-late November, meaning he is likely to miss a crucial run of fixtures for both Arsenal and his national team.
The midfielder’s absence will be felt keenly by manager Mikel Arteta, whose side faces a congested schedule across multiple competitions. Ødegaard will miss upcoming Premier League fixtures against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland, as well as key Champions League clashes with Atlético Madrid and Slavia Prague. His recovery timeline also casts doubt on his participation in the highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on November 23, shortly after the international break.
Ødegaard’s knee injury adds to a frustrating start to the season. The playmaker has already been hampered by fitness issues, having been substituted in the first half of three consecutive league games earlier this campaign. His influence on Arsenal’s attacking rhythm and pressing game has been instrumental since his arrival from Real Madrid in 2021, making his absence a significant tactical setback for Arteta.
A senior club insider described the captain’s injury as “a painful blow” for a side that relies heavily on his creativity and leadership. Arteta, however, is expected to use the opportunity to rotate his midfield options, with players such as Emile Smith Rowe, Kai Havertz, and Fabio Vieira competing to fill the void. Declan Rice may also take on additional creative responsibilities in Ødegaard’s absence.
The injury comes at a delicate time for Arsenal, who are aiming to maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions. The Gunners currently sit among the top four in the Premier League and remain on course to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages. Ødegaard’s composure, vision, and ability to dictate the tempo have been crucial to their progress, making his recovery a top priority for the medical staff.
The timing of the setback also means Ødegaard will miss Norway’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Norway, led by manager Ståle Solbakken, boosted their qualification hopes on Saturday with a 5-0 victory over Israel, keeping their bid for a first major tournament appearance since Euro 2000 alive. While the national team will miss their captain’s presence, Solbakken has expressed understanding of the player’s need for proper rehabilitation.
“Martin has been through a tough few weeks physically,” a source close to the Norway camp told BBC Sport. “The priority is to ensure he returns to full fitness. Rushing him back would not help Arsenal or Norway in the long run.”
For Arsenal, the focus now shifts to managing without their talismanic captain while keeping him fit for the season’s decisive months. Ødegaard’s recovery from an MCL injury will involve physiotherapy and gradual load-bearing exercises, with the club monitoring his progress closely. MCL injuries typically require between four to six weeks of recovery time, depending on severity, though Arsenal are likely to take a cautious approach given his recent history of recurring issues.
With Tottenham looming as a potential comeback fixture, fans will be hopeful of seeing their captain return to lead the team in one of the most important matches of the campaign. For now, though, Arteta and his staff must adapt, trusting the depth and versatility of their squad to maintain Arsenal’s ambitions across all fronts.
As one of the Premier League’s most influential midfielders, Ødegaard’s leadership and technical brilliance will be sorely missed—but Arsenal will be determined to ensure his absence does not derail their momentum.
