BREAKING NEWS: The news came as a shock to us this morning when the report came that He sustained another injury blow while on international duty yesterday, nobody expects this to happen now but we wish Him quick recovery”, Mikel Arteta fumes as another Arsenal key player sustained a heavy injury while on international duty yesterday

The morning brought shocking news for Arsenal supporters worldwide as captain Martin Ødegaard reportedly sustained another serious injury blow while on international duty with Norway. According to reports, the midfielder suffered an MCL (medial collateral ligament) injury, forcing him to withdraw from the national team’s camp and raising fresh concerns within Mikel Arteta’s camp.

The timing of this setback couldn’t have been worse. Ødegaard had just begun to rediscover his rhythm after a run of injuries that had disrupted his form earlier in the season. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, visibly frustrated by the news, admitted that this was the last thing the club expected. “Nobody expects this to happen now,” Arteta reportedly fumed, “but we wish him a quick recovery. He’s a vital part of our plans, and losing him again is painful for everyone.”

Reports from Arsenal insiders, including Charles Watts, suggest that the club is currently assessing the full extent of the damage. The Gunners are expected to make a final decision this week on whether Ødegaard will require surgery to repair the ligament. At this stage, swelling around the knee has made it difficult to determine the exact severity, but the club’s medical team has confirmed that it’s an MCL issue.

Watts explained that the next few days will be crucial. “Arsenal will wait for the swelling to go down before conducting another scan. Once that’s done, they’ll decide almost immediately whether surgery is necessary. Everyone is on edge right now, but the medical staff are handling it carefully,” he told Sports Mole. His comments have only deepened the suspense surrounding the Arsenal captain’s recovery timeline.

For now, no one at Arsenal is willing to commit to a specific return date. Some medical experts have speculated that the midfielder could be out anywhere between one week and three months, depending on whether surgery is needed. The uncertainty has left fans anxious, particularly as Ødegaard has been central to Arsenal’s recent resurgence under Arteta.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury just days after delivering a stellar performance in the Champions League, where Arsenal defeated Olympiacos 2–0. Ødegaard not only registered an assist but also created two big chances and completed seven of nine long passes — a display that reminded fans of his best form from previous seasons. Unfortunately, his progress has once again been halted by injury.

It’s been a frustrating period for Ødegaard, who has endured a series of injury setbacks over the past two seasons. From ankle problems to shoulder knocks earlier this year, his body has taken a beating. This latest knee issue is particularly concerning because it comes after a period when he seemed physically sharper and mentally stronger than before.

Arteta now faces a tactical headache ahead of a busy run of fixtures. With Ødegaard sidelined, the Arsenal manager must consider several options. Young talents like Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri could be given more responsibility, while Mikel Merino may also feature more prominently in midfield. However, replacing Ødegaard’s creativity, leadership, and vision will be no easy task.

Watts noted that Arteta will likely avoid rushing Ødegaard back into action, emphasizing the need for patience. “It’s not a muscle injury; it’s more of a freak impact injury. Arsenal must be cautious and allow full healing before reintegrating him. They have a strong squad, and this is the moment to rely on that depth,” he said.

Despite the frustration, Arsenal can take some comfort in their recent performances without Ødegaard. In his absence during the weekend’s 2–0 win over West Ham, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka stepped up to secure victory. Their performances showed that while Ødegaard’s influence is immense, Arsenal have the resilience and quality to cope — at least temporarily.

Still, the emotional toll is evident. For Ødegaard, this injury represents another obstacle in his pursuit of consistency. For Arteta, it’s another test of leadership and adaptability. And for Arsenal fans, it’s another reminder of how fragile momentum can be in a season full of promise and expectation.

As the international break continues, all eyes will remain on Arsenal’s medical updates. A “very, very quick” decision, as Watts described it, will determine whether Ødegaard faces weeks or months on the sidelines. For now, the Arsenal faithful can only hope that their captain avoids the surgeon’s table and makes a swift, safe return to the pitch.