Mikel Arteta Confirms: “It’s Not Looking Positive” — Major Concern Over Martin Ødegaard Injury
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered an injury update that has left fans deeply worried about club captain Martin Ødegaard.
Speaking after the game, Arteta expressed concern over the midfielder’s condition following a knee-to-knee collision:
“With Martin, it was a knee-to-knee clash. It’s not looking very positive right now. He felt discomfort immediately. I just spoke with him, and he’s not optimistic about it. He’s wearing a brace, and we’ll have to wait for the doctors’ assessment.”
The club has since confirmed that Ødegaard suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in his left knee, ruling him out of Norway’s upcoming international fixtures.
Injury Expert Reveals Possible Timeline
Renowned injury analyst Physio Scout has shed light on the potential severity of Ødegaard’s injury, suggesting it’s likely a Grade 2 MCL sprain, which could sideline the Arsenal captain for up to six weeks.
Estimated MCL Recovery Timeline:
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Grade 1: 1–3 weeks
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Grade 2: 3–6 weeks
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Grade 3: 6–10 weeks or more
While a severe Grade 3 injury appears unlikely, even a six-week layoff would be a significant blow to Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge and Champions League campaign.
Key Fixtures Ødegaard Could Miss (If Out for Six Weeks)
If recovery takes the maximum projected time, Ødegaard could miss seven crucial fixtures for Arsenal:
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Fulham vs Arsenal — October 18
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Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid (UCL) — October 21
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Arsenal vs Crystal Palace — October 26
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Arsenal vs Brighton — October 29
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Burnley vs Arsenal — November 1
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Slavia Praha vs Arsenal (UCL) — November 4
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Sunderland vs Arsenal — November 8
These matches are vital in maintaining Arsenal’s strong start to the season, making his absence all the more concerning.
Arsenal’s Squad Depth Will Be Tested
Although Arsenal have bolstered their squad depth with key additions like Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres, losing Ødegaard — the team’s creative engine and emotional leader — will test Mikel Arteta’s tactical flexibility.
Eze and Declan Rice may share creative responsibilities, while Kai Havertz could step into a more advanced midfield role to cover for the Norwegian.
Conclusion: Arsenal Fans Hope for Swift Recovery
As Ødegaard undergoes further medical evaluations, Arsenal fans will be hoping for the best-case scenario — a minor sprain and a quick return. His influence on and off the pitch makes him indispensable, and a lengthy spell on the sidelines could heavily impact Arsenal’s momentum in both domestic and European competitions.