Martin Odegaard and Arsenal offered concerning update on midfielder's knee injury by ex-Norwegian national team doctor

Arsenal have stopped short of putting a timescale on Odegaard’s recovery, with it yet to be determined when he will be ready for a return to action. Unfortunate history has been made early in the 2025-26 campaign by becoming the first Premier League player to be withdrawn before half-time in three consecutive appearances.

Odegaard is back on the treatment table following a clash of knees with Hammers winger Crysencio Summerville, with an MRI scan revealing the full extent of that problem. A former doctor with the Norwegian national team has suggested that the 26-year-old could be missing for a couple of months.

Lars Engebretsen told Dagbladet: “I don't have information about exactly what the MRI showed but based on the injury video, it could be a lateral ligament injury. If it is such an injury, Odegaard risks being out for six to eight weeks but it depends on the size. It could also be a more extensive injury, cruciate ligaments maybe. In that case, the period on the sidelines could be longer.”

Odegaard has also been forced off against Leeds and Nottingham Forest this season. His failure to build match fitness and sharpness is a source of concern and frustration for all concerned.

Norway boss Stale Solbakken has said, heading into a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying clash with Israel: “We have to tweak some plans, and we have done that before. The last time Martin was out, we played a little differently based on who the opponent was. It is clear that the plan we had made will be different.

“We lose our spokesman, and we have to live with that. Of course you get angry and upset and those kinds of feelings, but then you quickly get into a mode where you have to think constructively. Of course, he is very sorry, too. It is the third time in a short time, and it is hard for him and hard for Arsenal.”

Norway will still have prolific Manchester City striker Erling Haaland at their disposal, with his goal tally this season standing at 18 through 11 appearances for club and country, but he is another that is disappointed to see Odegaard ruled out.

Haaland said: “It's a shame and it's not good for us. We need him, so I hope it's not serious. I haven't spoken to him, but it didn't look good. We're going to miss our captain, it's tough. We just have to do the best we can without Martin. It won't be easy, as he is a big part of our game - but we have to do what we can without him - and I will do what I can to do that.”

Arteta has said of his seeing his skipper laid low at Emirates Stadium: “We haven't had him since the start of the season for one reason or the other. The shoulder twice and then this injury. We'll have to wait and see the extent of that injury, and we'll find solutions, but obviously he's our captain and is a player that gives us a completely different dimension with the things that he can do, especially in attacking.”

Arsenal have still been able to move to the top of the Premier League table, with 16 points being picked up across seven fixtures. They are now one clear of defending champions Liverpool and two above north London rivals Tottenham.

It remains to be seen when Odegaard will be ready again, but the Gunners will return to action after the latest international break when taking in a short trip to Fulham on October 18.