'Not looking very positive' - Mikel Arteta offers worrying update on Martin Odegaard and confirms Declan Rice 'is not OK' after Arsenal hit by double injury blow

Odegaard suffered yet another injury after he had to be substituted in the 30th minute, with Martin Zubimendi replacing the Gunners captain. The Norway international became the first player in Premier League history to be withdrawn in the first half of three consecutive league matches. Against Leeds and Nottingham Forest, he was taken off after 38 and 18 minutes, respectively. 

While providing an update on Odegaard's condition, Arteta said: "With Martin, it was a clash knee to knee. It's not looking very positive at the moment."

The Spaniard further told BBC MOTD: "So unlucky again. He went knee to knee and felt straight away something was not right. Let's assess him and see how bad the injury is. He has been very, very unlucky."

Declan Rice was called back to the dugout in the 79th minute as Mikel Merino replaced the English star. Arteta later confirmed that Rice was suffering from back pain, so he decided to limit his minutes on the pitch. The Spaniard added, "With Declan, he was struggling with back pain and he asked me to come off. Let's see what the doctor says now and what is best for him."

Odegaard won't join his national team during the international break and will miss their key World Cup qualifier against Israel on October 11. Norway have won all of their first five group matches and are firm favourites to top the group and qualify for the World Cup next year in North America, Canada and Mexico.