Arsenal's Quiet Crisis: Odegaard's Knee Keeps Him Out Until November, Testing a Team You Thought Was Bulletproof

Odegaard to miss action until November break

A British newspaper report on Monday revealed that Norwegian Martin Odegaard, Arsenal captain and midfield maestro, will not return to action until after the current international window in November.

The injury concerns the left knee’s lateral collateral ligament following a challenge against West Ham United, with Arsenal not naming a precise return date.

According to the BBC, the knee injury is expected to sideline Odegaard until the end of the November international period.

Impact on Arsenal and the broader context

Odegaard will miss Arsenal’s upcoming league fixtures against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland, in addition to the Champions League ties with Atlético Madrid and Slavia Prague.

The 26-year-old has appeared seven times this season for 294 minutes, contributing two assists.

Arsenal currently sit atop the Premier League table on 16 points, one point ahead of second-placed Liverpool.

This is the second injury setback for Odegaard early in the season, after a shoulder issue in September sidelined him for matches against Manchester City and Port Vale.

Opta data shows Odegaard became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before halftime in three consecutive starts.

Since joining Arsenal from Real Madrid in 2021, Odegaard has been a central figure for Mikel Arteta and a catalyst in linking midfield to attack.

Yet recent seasons have seen a worrying drop in regular involvement due to injuries, prompting questions among fans about the root causes.

Arteta relies on Odegaard as a pivotal architect in construction of attacks, thanks to his vision and precise distribution through the lines.

However, the demanding, high-pressing style has increased the risk of muscle fatigue and recurring injuries for a player already carrying a heavy load.

Over the past two seasons, he has missed important league and European fixtures due to muscle, knee and ankle problems.

Last season he suffered an ankle injury in September 2024, keeping him out for around 57 days and causing him to miss 14 matches for club and country.

Beyond the on-pitch impact, Odegaard’s leadership and morale influence in the dressing room is notable; his absence removes a key morale booster when he’s sidelined.

With him out, Arsenal lose a major source of creativity in breaking down compact defenses in big matches.

Nevertheless, Odegaard remains a fan favorite and a pillar of Arteta’s long-term project, and his absence will test squad depth.

Arsenal’s ambitions to balance tactical intensity with player protection remain central as they push to keep a stable lineup in coming seasons.

While the club has progressed under Arteta, the lack of major trophies since the 2020 FA Cup continues to fuel questions about experience, depth, and injuries’ impact on title runs.

Still, supporters hope the current project translates into tangible silverware as Arsenal seeks consistency and success in the seasons ahead.

Punchline 1: If injuries were a transfer window, Arsenal would sign a full squad every January.

Punchline 2: Odegaard’s knee must think it’s hosting a season-long pinball tournament—the way it’s bouncing around, it could use a vacation too.