Arsenal confirm Martin Odegaard injury update as worst fears come to light | Football | Sport

Arsenal have confirmed that Martin Odegaard suffered a knee ligament injury during Saturday’s win over West Ham United. The midfielder was substituted during the first half, having initially tried to play on before dropping back down to the turf. He was later spotted in a knee brace and the severity of the problem has now been confirmed.

Odegaard has sustained a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee, forcing him to withdraw from the Norway squad. He was initially called up by his national team but has pulled out due to his latest setback. Arsenal confirmed the news on Sunday, revealing that Odegaard would remain in London during the international break for treatment.

They said: “Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team at Sobha Realty Training Centre during the international window, with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible.”

It remains to be seen exactly how long Odegaard will be sidelined for, but Arsenal will be hoping for him to return for the away trip to Fulham after the international break.

Mikel Arteta offered a grim prediction after the final whistle against West Ham, saying: “It was a clash, knee to knee. It’s not looking very positive at the moment. Immediately he was uncomfortable.

“I just spoke to him, he’s not positive about it, he’s got a brace on. We’ll have to wait and see from the doctors, but we haven’t been very lucky with that either.

“We haven’t had him since the start of the season for one reason or the other. The shoulder twice and then this injury. We’ll have to wait and see the extent of that injury.

“We’ll find solutions, but obviously he’s our captain and is a player that gives us a completely different dimension with the things that he can do, especially in attacking. Let’s wait and hopefully it’s not that bad.”

Odegaard became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts when he was replaced against the Hammers.

Declan Rice was also withdrawn due to an apparent back problem during the closing stages of the match. He appeared to be clutching his back as he trudged off the pitch, but a further update on his condition is yet to be issued.

The midfielder has not withdrawn from the England squad as of yet, but this could change ahead of the Three Lions’ game against Wales on Thursday night.