Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that club captain Martin Ødegaard will be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a fresh knee injury, describing the Norwegian midfielder’s situation as “very unlucky.”
Speaking during a pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Fulham, Arteta revealed that Ødegaard sustained an MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury during training and will be out for an unspecified period.
“He will be out for weeks,” Arteta said. “There’s no definite date for his return, but he is evolving well. It’s very unlucky what is happening with him it’s one setback after another, but he’s mentally strong and determined to come back better.”
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The Arsenal boss also confirmed that while the injury does not require surgery, the 26-year-old midfielder will miss several key fixtures, including Premier League, Champions League, and EFL Cup matches.
Medical staff at the Emirates reportedly detected ligament strain during scans earlier this week. Although the club has not issued a formal timeline, sources suggest that Ødegaard could be out for four to six weeks, depending on recovery progress.
Arsenal’s Injury Woes Mount
Ødegaard’s absence adds to Arsenal’s growing injury list, with key players such as Gabriel Jesus, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Kai Havertz also nursing injuries. Arteta admitted that the situation poses a serious challenge for his team as they navigate a demanding fixture schedule.
“It’s part of football, but it’s frustrating because we’ve been managing his workload carefully,” Arteta said. “He’s such a key player for us not just in terms of creativity, but also leadership and the way he connects the team on the pitch.”
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The Impact on Arsenal’s Season
Ødegaard, who has been instrumental in Arsenal’s title push over the past two seasons, has already contributed five goals and four assists in all competitions this campaign. His vision, control, and passing range have been central to Arsenal’s attacking play.
Analysts say his absence could force Arteta to adjust his midfield setup, possibly giving more minutes to Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, or Fabio Vieira, depending on tactical needs.
Arteta, however, remains optimistic about the team’s depth. “This is why we have a squad,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for others to step up and show their quality.”
Support from Teammates
Several Arsenal players have since expressed support for their captain. Defender Ben White called Ødegaard “the heartbeat of the team,” while striker Viktor Gyökeres described him as “an incredible leader who inspires confidence in everyone around him.”
Ødegaard also took to Instagram to thank fans for their messages, writing, “Not the news I wanted, but I’ll come back stronger. Thanks for all your support.”
Fans and Analysts React
Fans across social media expressed disappointment but rallied behind the Norwegian, with many calling him “the soul of Arsenal’s creativity.”
Football analysts say the injury could test Arsenal’s resilience as they continue to chase top-four ambitions and remain competitive in European competitions.
Despite the setback, Arteta insists the team will remain focused. “We’ll give Martin all the support he needs to recover fully,” he said. “He’ll be back and he’ll be even better.”
