Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over West Ham at the weekend came at a cost, with captain Martin Odegaard forced off injured in the opening 45 minutes due to a knee problem.
The setback is significant because Odegaard’s calmness in possession, creative spark and leadership in midfield have been central to Mikel Arteta’s side. Without him, the Gunners have previously struggled to maintain fluency in the final third.
The Norwegian midfielder’s influence cannot be understated. In fact, Odegaard recently set an unwanted Premier League record for losing possession frequently during the West Ham game, yet his ability to dictate tempo still makes him indispensable to Arteta’s system.
The BBC have confirmed that Odegaard will not join the Norway squad for the upcoming international fixtures, due to his knee injury.
Arsenal felt Odegaard’s absence before
History shows that when Odegaard is unavailable, Arsenal often lose their attacking rhythm. His influence extends far beyond his assists.
The last time he was sidelined for an extended period, the Gunners’ midfield looked lacklustre and disconnected from the attack. That loss of chemistry partly explained why the team’s goals dried up and their form dipped during crucial stages of the season.
Arsenal’s ambition is clear – to win a first Premier League title in over two decades – and to achieve that, they need all their key players fit. Odegaard’s leadership and vision in midfield remain critical to that pursuit.
Depth in midfield but no true replacement
Arsenal now boast quality depth, with Martin Zubimendi and Riccardo Calafiori adding steel and versatility. However, none of them quite replicate Odegaard’s blend of creativity, composure, and Premier League experience.
His ability to connect midfield to attack makes him unique in this squad. If the knee injury sidelines him for long, Arteta may need to rethink his approach in key fixtures.
Arsenal’s title ambitions and the uncertainty around Odegaard’s injury have drawn attention from fans, pundits, and even markets that monitor football closely. According to leading betting sites, the Gunners’ odds remain strong despite this setback, reflecting the squad’s depth and strong start to the season.
Yet many supporters worry that an extended absence for the captain could tilt the balance in the title race.
Hope for a swift return
For now, Arsenal fans will hope the injury is not as severe as first feared. Odegaard’s quick recovery will be vital to sustaining their momentum in the Premier League and Champions League this season.
Should he be sidelined for an extended spell, the Gunners may once again find themselves struggling to break down stubborn opponents, just as they did in past campaigns without their midfield talisman.
Arteta’s big saviour is likely to be summer-signing Eberechi Eze, who is flying in central midfield for the Gunners.
