The playmaker’s frustrating, injury-disrupted season continues as he faces another spell on the sidelines, withdrawing from international duty.
Arsenal have been dealt a significant setback with the confirmation that captain Martin Ødegaard has suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury to his left knee, forcing him to withdraw from the Norwegian national team.
The 26-year-old playmaker picked up the problem during the first half of Saturday’s 2-0 victory over West Ham, the third consecutive home game in which he has been forced off early due to injury. This latest issue adds to a campaign already marred by fitness troubles for the skipper.
A club statement confirmed Ødegaard will miss Norway’s upcoming matches and will remain at Arsenal’s training centre for assessment and treatment, “with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible.”
This season has been a stop-start struggle for Ødegaard. A shoulder injury saw him substituted against both Leeds and Nottingham Forest, and he has managed to complete 90 minutes only twice. His absence is a major concern for manager Mikel Arteta, despite the team heading into the international break top of the Premier League table.
In further worrying news, key midfielder Declan Rice is also an injury concern after being substituted with a back issue against West Ham, though he is still expected to report for England duty.
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