Arsenal Provides Update on Martin Ødegaard's Injury as Captain Withdraws from Norway Duty

Table of Contents

• Odegaard Withdraws from Norway Duty
• Details of the Injury
• Club Statement
• Other Injuries
• England Duty Updates

MARTIN ØDEGAARD has stepped back from international duty with Norway and is expected to face another period on the sidelines after sustaining knee ligament damage during the match against West Ham.

The Arsenal captain was substituted in the 30th minute of Saturday’s 2-0 victory after colliding knees with an opponent.

Ødegaard was seen holding his head, indicating either a serious injury or deep disappointment.

This incident marks the third consecutive league match in which he has been substituted before halftime, having previously been taken off early against Leeds due to a shoulder problem.

Consequently, he will remain at London Colney for further examination, missing Norway’s World Cup qualifier against Israel on Saturday and a friendly next week.

A club statement noted: “Martin Ødegaard has been withdrawn from the Norway national team after suffering a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee.

“Martin will continue to be evaluated and treated by our medical team at Sobha Realty Training Centre during the international break, with the goal of returning to action as soon as possible.”

Ødegaard joins other players like Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie in the Arsenal medical room.

However, not all news is bleak, as Declan Rice is expected to report for England duty on Monday, despite having sustained a back injury during the match against Arsenal on Saturday.

The 26-year-old midfielder was substituted late in the 2-0 victory over West Ham after falling to the ground while grasping his back.

Nevertheless, the 68-cap star, who had previously been sidelined, is still anticipated to join the Three Lions at St George’s Park today ahead of Thursday’s friendly against Wales and next week’s World Cup qualifier in Latvia.

He will be accompanied at the national football base by Harry Kane, despite the England captain injuring his ankle while playing for Eintracht Frankfurt this weekend.

Kane made history by becoming the first player to score 11 goals in the first six games of the season during the 3-0 win, but he was substituted with five minutes remaining.

After the match, the former Tottenham star, 32, stated: “I’ll be at St George’s Park on Monday. I’m fine, just some contact on the bone.

“I experienced this a few weeks ago, and it’s been healing. I got hit right on the same spot. A few days of recovery, and I should be good to go.”