Club Confirm Ødegaard Has MCL Damage

Arsenal have confirmed that Martin Ødegaard has withdrawn from Norway’s squad for upcoming matches against Israel and New Zealand after suffering a MCL damage to his knee in the win over West Ham on Saturday.

Ødegaard went down clutching his knee after clashing with Crysencio Summerville in the first half at the Emirates and tried repeatedly to continue playing after receiving treatment before being eventually replaced by Martín Zubimendi. The manager said post-game that Ødegaard had left the ground with his knee in a brace and stated his captain was “pessimistic 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 announced that Ødegaard had pulled out from the Norway squad and it is believed they are hopeful that he will only be sidelined briefly rather than months. “Martin will undergo further evaluation and treated by our staff during the international window, with the aim 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 caused him to leave against Leeds and Nottingham Forest. He will be alongside several teammates on the sidelines, while the recent acquisition Piero Hincapié is expected to return from a groin issue after the international break.