Team Confirm Ødegaard Has Medial Collateral Ligament Damage

Arsenal have confirmed that Martin Ødegaard has withdrawn from Norway’s squad for upcoming matches against New Zealand and Israel after suffering a medial collateral ligament injury to his knee during the win over their opponents on Saturday.

Ødegaard collapsed holding his knee after clashing with Crysencio Summerville in the first half at the Emirates and twice attempted to continue playing after being treated before being substituted by Martín Zubimendi. The manager said post-game that Ødegaard had left the ground with his knee in a brace and stated his captain was “pessimistic about it.”

Although Declan Rice is scheduled to join with the national team this week despite also being replaced against West Ham with a back issue, Arsenal announced that Ødegaard had pulled out from the Norway squad and it is understood they are hopeful that he will only be out for weeks rather than a long period. “Ødegaard will undergo further evaluation and cared for by our medical team during the international window, with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible,” Arsenal said in a release.

Ødegaard has endured an unlucky beginning to the season after dealing with a shoulder injury that forced him off against Leeds and Nottingham Forest. He will be alongside Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke on the injury list, while the recent acquisition Piero Hincapié is likely to come back from a groin issue after the international break.