Arsenal Captain Ødegaard Suffers MCL Injury, Withdraws from Norway Squad

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury to his left knee during a Premier League match against West Ham, forcing him off after just 30 minutes. This marks the third consecutive home game in which Ødegaard has been substituted before halftime due to injury issues, including previous shoulder problems. Arsenal confirmed that Ødegaard has withdrawn from Norway's upcoming international fixtures against Israel and New Zealand as he continues to be assessed and treated with hopes for a swift return. Manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern about the injury's severity, highlighting its negative impact on Arsenal's title ambitions as the team currently leads the Premier League. The club remains cautious about the injury's timeline, which can range from a week to over two months depending on the grade, and is hopeful for a quicker recovery. Ødegaard's absence is a significant blow given his pivotal role as a leader and key contributor to Arsenal's success this season.