Odegaard Injured MCL, Withdraws From Norway's Squad

Martin Odegaard pulled over again, keeping him out of the Norwegian national team (Instagram/@arsenal).

JAKARTA - Arsenal confirmed that captain Martin Odegaard suffered a medial colateral league injury (MCL) in his left knee and has withdrawn from the Norwegian National Team (Timnas) squad.

This is the latest setback for the 26-year-old, who picked up an injury against West Ham on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in a season previously plagued by injury.

The club has confirmed that the player will miss his country's upcoming match against Israel and New Zealand in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers after suffering a knee injury.

"Martin Odegaard has been withdrawn from the Norwegian national team for the upcoming match against Israel and New Zealand after suffering a medial colateral ligament injury to his left knee in the first half in a win over West Ham United on Saturday."

"Martin will continue to be monitored and cared for by our medical team at the Sobha Realty Training Center during the international break, with the aim of returning to action as soon as possible," read a statement from the Gunners.

Odegaard was forced to be pulled off the pitch after 30 minutes in a 2-0 win over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, a third home game in a row where he was pulled out before halftime.

The shoulder injury left him withdrawn after 38 minutes against Leeds United, before the same injury worsened. He was also forced to be replaced after 18 minutes against Nottingham Forest.

The midfielder made an important contribution against Newcastle United last weekend and in the Champions League against Olympiacos on his return from injury.

He has only played full 90 minutes twice this season. His injury to West Ham on weekends forced him to pull over longer.

Arsenal also had fears of injury to Declan Rice, who was replaced in the 79th minute due to back problems, but is expected to return to the England national team.

Mikel Arteta's team entered the international break by topping the Premier League table, displacing their rival, Liverpool, who suffered a dramatic defeat during injury time from Chelsea, Saturday, October 4, 2025.