Arsenal’s captain, Martin Ødegaard, is anticipated to remain sidelined with a knee injury until after the November international break.
The midfielder sustained a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury during Arsenal’s 4 October win over West Ham, forcing an early substitution in the first half.
Following the match, Arsenal confirmed Ødegaard would miss the ongoing international fixtures but did not specify a return date. Current updates suggest the 26-year-old will continue his recovery through the upcoming international window in mid-November.
This setback means Ødegaard will be absent for key Premier League clashes against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland, as well as crucial Champions League matches versus Atlético Madrid and Slavia Prague.
Manager Mikel Arteta faces a significant challenge, as Ødegaard’s influence on the squad is considerable.
The midfielder’s campaign has been disrupted by recurring injuries, having been forced off early in three consecutive league games.
Arsenal’s next major test comes against their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur immediately following the international break. It remains uncertain if Ødegaard will be fit enough to feature in the derby on 23 November.
On the international stage, Norway made a strong statement in their World Cup qualifying campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over Israel on Saturday.
If Norway secures qualification for the 2026 World Cup, it will mark their first appearance in a major tournament since 2000.
