Club Announce Ødegaard Has Medial Collateral Ligament Injury

The club has announced that Martin Ødegaard has pulled out from the national team for their games against New Zealand and Israel after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee in the 2-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday.

Ødegaard went down clutching his knee after a challenge from Crysencio Summerville in the first half at the Emirates and twice attempted to continue playing after being treated before being eventually replaced by Martín Zubimendi. Mikel Arteta said after the match that Ødegaard had departed the stadium with his knee supported and admitted his captain was “not positive about it.”

But while Declan Rice is expected to meet up with the national team in the coming days despite also being substituted against West Ham with a back issue, Arsenal confirmed on Sunday that Ødegaard had pulled out from the Norway squad and it is understood they are optimistic that he will only be sidelined briefly rather than months. “Martin will undergo further evaluation and treated by our medical team during the international window, with the goal of a return to action as soon as possible,” Arsenal said in a statement.

Ødegaard has endured an unlucky beginning to the season after struggling with a shoulder injury that forced him off against two opponents. He will be alongside Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke on the injury list, while the recent acquisition Piero Hincapié is expected to return from a groin issue after the pause.