Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is set to spend several weeks on the sidelines after sustaining another injury setback. Manager Mikel Arteta revealed that the Norwegian midfielder could remain out until after the November international break as he continues recovery from a knee problem.
Odegaard’s fitness woes deepened when he was forced off before halftime during Arsenal’s 3-1 victory over West Ham on October 3. The 26-year-old became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before halftime in three consecutive starts, underscoring his recent struggles with form and fitness.
Earlier in the season, Odegaard had been hampered by a recurring shoulder issue that limited his availability. Arteta admitted the situation has been “very unlucky” for the player, emphasizing that no exact return date has been set but progress is being made.
“It will be weeks. There’s no definite timeline, but he’s evolving well,” Arteta said. “It could be after the next international break, but we’ll have to see how he progresses and how the knee heals.”
Despite Odegaard’s absence and injuries to key players such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, William Saliba, and Noni Madueke, Arsenal have made an impressive start to the season. The Gunners currently top the Premier League standings, holding a one-point lead over Liverpool after seven matches.
Arteta credited the team’s collective resilience for maintaining momentum amid fitness challenges. He also voiced support for striker Viktor Gyokeres, who joined the club to solve their goal-scoring concerns. The Swedish forward has netted three goals in ten appearances but has gone eight matches without scoring for club or country.
Arteta, however, expressed satisfaction with Gyokeres’ overall contribution, stressing that consistency and mentality are crucial for leading Arsenal’s attack.
“He brings so much to the team,” Arteta explained. “I told him before joining — wearing the number nine shirt for Arsenal comes with pressure. Even if you don’t score for several games, your attitude and effort must remain the same. The goals will come.”
With Odegaard’s recovery underway and the squad maintaining form, Arsenal will aim to sustain their early-season momentum in pursuit of the Premier League title.
