Team Announce Ødegaard Has Medial Collateral Ligament Injury

Arsenal have confirmed that Martin Ødegaard has pulled out from the national team for upcoming matches against Israel and New Zealand after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his knee in the win over their opponents on Saturday.

Ødegaard went down clutching his knee after clashing with Crysencio Summerville during the opening period at the Emirates and tried repeatedly to continue playing after receiving treatment before being eventually replaced by Martín Zubimendi. Mikel Arteta said post-game that Ødegaard had left the ground with his knee supported and stated his captain was “pessimistic about it.”

But while Declan Rice is scheduled to join with the national team this week despite also being replaced against West Ham with a back problem, 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. “Ødegaard will continue to be assessed 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 endured an injury-hit start to the new campaign after struggling with a shoulder problem 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 injury after the pause.