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 suffering a MCL damage to his left knee in the 2-0 victory over West Ham this past weekend.

Ødegaard went down clutching his knee after a challenge from Crysencio Summerville during the opening period at the Emirates and twice attempted to continue playing after receiving treatment before being substituted by Martín Zubimendi. Mikel Arteta said post-game that Ødegaard had departed the stadium with his knee supported and admitted his captain was “pessimistic about it.”

Although Declan Rice is expected to meet up with the national team this week despite also being replaced against West Ham with a back issue, Arsenal announced that Ødegaard had withdrawn from the Norway squad and it is understood they are optimistic that he will only be sidelined briefly rather than months. “Ødegaard 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 release.

Ødegaard has experienced an unlucky beginning to the season after struggling with a shoulder injury that forced him off against two opponents. He will join several teammates on the sidelines, while the new signing Piero Hincapié is expected to return from a groin injury after the pause.