Team Confirm Ødegaard Has Medial Collateral Ligament Injury

Arsenal have confirmed that Martin Ødegaard has withdrawn from Norway’s squad for upcoming matches against New Zealand and Israel after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee in the 2-0 victory over their opponents on Saturday.

Ødegaard went down clutching his knee after clashing with Crysencio Summerville in the first half 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.”

Although Declan Rice is expected to meet up with Thomas Tuchel’s England squad this week despite also being replaced against West Ham with a back issue, Arsenal announced that Ødegaard had withdrawn from the Norway squad and it is believed they are optimistic that he will only be sidelined briefly rather than months. “Ødegaard will undergo further evaluation and cared for by our staff during the international window, with the aim of a comeback as soon as possible,” Arsenal said in a release.

Ødegaard has experienced an unlucky beginning to the season after struggling with a shoulder problem that caused him to leave against two opponents. He will join several teammates on the sidelines, while the new signing Piero Hincapié is likely to come back from a groin issue after the pause.