LONDON: Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard has been forced to withdraw from the Norway squad after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee, the Premier League club confirmed on Sunday.
The 26-year-old picked up the knock during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham United on Saturday. Despite initially attempting to play on, Odegaard was replaced by Martin Zubimendi after just 30 minutes.
As a result, the Norway captain will miss his nation’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel on October 12, as well as their friendly against New Zealand two days later.
“Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team during the international window, with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible,” Arsenal said in a statement.
It has been a frustrating season for Odegaard, who has already battled shoulder issues earlier in the campaign, suffering setbacks against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. Arsenal and Norway will now be hoping for a swift recovery for their influential playmaker.
