BREAKING NEWS: Just few days after reporting to international duty, Arsenal have sustained a heavy injury blow in his career in training yesterday as he’s set to report back to Emirates today to determine the extent of his injury

Arsenal have been dealt a worrying setback just days after their captain reported for international duty. Martin Ødegaard, the club’s influential leader and playmaker, suffered a significant injury during training with Norway, prompting fears that the Gunners may once again be forced to navigate a crucial part of their season without their midfield maestro.

The incident reportedly occurred during a routine training session, with Ødegaard pulling up after an awkward collision involving his knee. Medical staff immediately attended to him, and initial reports suggest the injury could be serious enough to warrant a return to North London for further assessment. Arsenal have since confirmed that the midfielder is due back at the Emirates to undergo scans and determine the full extent of the damage.

This development brings back uncomfortable memories for Mikel Arteta and his side. Around the same time last year, Ødegaard sustained an ankle injury that sidelined him for nearly two months. That absence proved costly, as Arsenal endured a dip in form and lost crucial momentum in their Premier League title challenge. The Gunners struggled to replicate their early-season dominance, and their lack of creativity in the final third became a glaring issue in Ødegaard’s absence.

Injuries were a recurring theme during Arsenal’s previous campaign, ultimately derailing what had been a promising start. This season, Arteta has already had to deal with several fitness concerns. Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and deadline-day signing Piero Hincapié have all faced spells on the sidelines. However, thanks to a deeper squad and improved tactical adaptability, Arsenal have managed to stay competitive and keep pace with their title rivals.

Ødegaard’s form this season has been solid but somewhat inconsistent, with flashes of his trademark brilliance offset by minor fitness setbacks. A persistent shoulder problem had limited his involvement earlier in the campaign, but his latest knee injury could prove even more disruptive. Arsenal confirmed after their 2–0 victory over West Ham United that the captain suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury during the match, which forced him off before halftime.

This makes Ødegaard the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before halftime in three consecutive starts—a statistic that underlines his current struggles with fitness and durability. Arsenal’s medical team has yet to issue a definitive recovery timeline, but early indications suggest the injury could range from mild to severe, depending on the grade of the ligament damage.

If the scans reveal a Grade 1 MCL strain, Ødegaard could be back within three weeks. A Grade 2 injury, however, would likely rule him out for more than a month, while a Grade 3 tear might sideline him for up to ten weeks. Given Arsenal’s congested fixture list and upcoming European commitments, such a lengthy absence could have major consequences for Arteta’s tactical plans and midfield balance.

The Norwegian star has already withdrawn from his national team’s World Cup qualifying squad to focus on recovery. Norway manager Ståle Solbakken expressed disappointment at losing his captain but admitted that Ødegaard’s long-term fitness must take priority over national commitments. His return to the Emirates will allow Arsenal’s medical experts to conduct detailed scans and map out a structured rehabilitation program.

Arsenal face a demanding stretch of fixtures, including an away trip to Fulham on October 18 and a crucial Champions League encounter against Atlético Madrid shortly after. They will also play Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup before the end of November. The Gunners’ ability to rotate effectively and maintain rhythm during Ødegaard’s absence will test the depth of Arteta’s squad and the resilience of their title ambitions.

For Arteta, this is another moment that calls for strategic creativity. Declan Rice and Fabio Vieira may be asked to take on greater creative responsibilities, while young talents like Emile Smith Rowe could see increased playing time. Arsenal fans will hope that their captain’s injury is not as severe as feared, but there’s an undeniable sense of anxiety given Ødegaard’s influence on the pitch and his vital role in linking midfield to attack.

As Arsenal await the results of the medical assessment, the club will be holding its breath. Ødegaard is not just the heartbeat of Arteta’s tactical system but also a leader whose vision and calmness define the team’s identity. Should the diagnosis confirm a long-term absence, Arsenal will once again be forced to show the kind of character and collective strength that marked their rise under Arteta. The coming days will reveal whether this is merely a temporary scare or a major blow to their season’s ambitions.