Last updated on October 16, 2025
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Arsenal have suffered a major setback with confirmation that captain Martin Ødegaard will be sidelined for around six weeks after sustaining medial collateral ligament (MCL) damage to his left knee.
How the Injury Happened
The Norwegian playmaker picked up the injury during Arsenal’s 2–0 Premier League victory over West Ham, following a heavy collision with Crysencio Summerville.
Despite initially trying to continue, Ødegaard was substituted before halftime and later left the ground wearing a knee brace.
Subsequent scans revealed an MCL injury, though the club confirmed that surgery will not be required.
He will instead undergo a period of rehabilitation at London Colney, aiming to return before the end of November.
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What Arsenal Will Miss
Ødegaard’s absence leaves a significant creative void in Mikel Arteta’s side.
The captain has been central to Arsenal’s attacking rhythm, dictating tempo and leading by example on and off the pitch.
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His vision, passing range, and tactical intelligence have been crucial to Arsenal’s title ambitions.
Without him, Arteta will need to rethink his midfield setup.
Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke , and Ethan Nwaneri are among those expected to step in, while Declan Rice may be pushed into a more advanced role to help maintain attacking balance.
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What Fans Are Saying
- “Huge blow, he’s literally the engine of that midfield.” – Masha
- “The way Arsenal fans are calm about Ødegaard’s injury shows how far we’ve come. From panic stations to pure confidence. We’re different now.” – AFC KONDIWA
Key Matches He’ll Miss
Ødegaard’s recovery timeline means he is likely to miss at least seven fixtures across all competitions, including:
- Premier League: Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland
- Champions League: Atlético Madrid and Slavia Prague
- Carabao Cup: Brighton
His potential return could come in time for the North London derby against Tottenham on November 23, though Arsenal will be cautious not to rush him back too soon.
A Test of Depth and Leadership
The injury presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Arsenal.
It tests the club’s squad depth and tactical adaptability — something Arteta has been fine-tuning over recent seasons.
With other players like Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz also battling fitness issues, this period could define Arsenal’s resilience in the title race.
