By Martin Graham
Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard will not be fit to feature again until after the upcoming international fixtures in November.
The playmaker picked up a medial collateral ligament problem during the Gunners’ victory over West Ham on 4 October, which forced his withdrawal before the interval.
A club announcement followed the next day, stating he would be unavailable for the current round of international matches, but without specifying an exact timeframe for his return.
It has now been confirmed that the 26-year-old will continue his recovery through the coming weeks and is not expected to feature again until the latter part of next month.
Matches he will sit out
Odegaard’s extended absence means he will not take part in Premier League encounters with Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland.
He will also miss key Champions League fixtures against Atletico Madrid and Slavia Prague.
The development represents a setback for manager Mikel Arteta, given the Norwegian’s influence on the side’s attacking play.
Injury troubles persist this season
The beginning of the captain’s campaign has been disrupted by repeated fitness setbacks. He has been substituted during the opening half in three straight league games due to physical issues.
Arsenal will face Tottenham Hotspur in the north London derby immediately after the November break, with doubts remaining over whether Odegaard will recover in time for the 23 November clash.
Norway’s progress on the international stage
While Odegaard focuses on rehabilitation, his national team enjoyed a significant win over Israel on Saturday, triumphing 5-0 in World Cup qualifying.
If Norway secures a place at the 2026 tournament, it would mark their first major international competition since 2000.
