Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus

Martin Odegaard Injury Update: What Happened and How Many Games Will the Arsenal Captain Miss?

Credit: IMAGO / Action Plus

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is facing a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over West Ham United on October 4. The Norwegian playmaker was forced off midway through the first half in the match. Subsequent scans confirmed the knee issue, which will keep him out of action for a while.

Arsenal released a statement the following day confirming his absence for the current international break, though no exact return date was initially provided. Odegaard’s absence leaves a creative void in Arsenal’s midfield. The Norwegian has been central to the team’s attacking rhythm, often dictating tempo and linking play in the final third. His start to the season has been disrupted by injuries. Odegaard has been substituted early in three consecutive league matches before this latest injury.

How Many Games Will Martin Odegaard Miss?

The MCL injury will keep Martin Odegaard out of action until after the November international break. The setback means he is expected to miss at least seven matches, including Premier League fixtures against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland, as well as Champions League clashes with Atletico Madrid and Slavia Prague.

Also Read: Ousmane Dembele Eyes New Contract After Ballon d’Or Triumph, Set for Return From Injury

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said,

“He will be weeks, no definite date for his return, but he’s evolving well. It’s very unlucky what’s happening with him and his injuries this season, but I think he will be back in a few weeks. It could be [an absence until after the international break] but we will have to see how he is progressing, how his knee is feeling, how he manages the next steps in his rehab, it’s too early to get an answer.”

🚨Mikel Arteta on Martin Odegaard: “It will be weeks. There is no definite date for his return. He will be back in a few weeks.”

Arteta adds that Zubimendi is available this weekend.

[@SamJDean] pic.twitter.com/hgV7haUbrZ
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) October 17, 2025

While the injury is a significant blow for Mikel Arteta’s side, the club will take comfort in the fact that it isn’t more severe. Odegaard is targeting a mid-November return, with the hope of being fit for the North London Derby against Tottenham on November 23.

Also Read: Premier League Clubs Mull Introducing Six Substitutes and Expanded 28-Man Squads

Arsenal currently are in strong league form, having climbed above Liverpool following their win over West Ham. Looking ahead, Arsenal’s schedule remains demanding. They travel to Fulham on Saturday before hosting Atletico Madrid at the Emirates in a crucial Champions League group-stage clash. Home games against Crystal Palace and Brighton follow. Arsenal then face a challenging run of away fixtures at Burnley, Slavia Prague and Sunderland leading into next international break.

Arsenal

Martin Odegaard

Mikel Arteta

Premier League

Premier League 2025-26

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.