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. <\/p>
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.<\/p>
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. <\/p>