Martin Odegaard withdraws from Norway squad after Arsenal captain suffers another injury setback

Arsenal confirmed he will miss Norway’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Israel and New Zealand after injuring his medial collateral ligament (MCL).

“Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team at Sobha Realty Training Centre during the international window, with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible.”

Declan Rice was replaced in the 79th minute due to a back issue, but will report for England duty as expected.

The club have yet to offer an update on Rice, but Odegaard joins Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Piero Hincapie on the sidelines.

No timeline for the midfielder’s return has been offered, but it is the latest setback in what has already been a frustrating start to the season.

Odegaard came off early against both Leeds United and Nottingham Forest due to a shoulder issue.

He managed to play the entirety of Arsenal’s midweek game with Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League, but a knee-to-knee clash with Hammers forward Crysencio Summerville saw him depart early against West Ham.

After the game, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta was downbeat as he offered an update on his skipper.

“We haven’t had him since the start of the season for one reason or the other. The shoulder twice and then this injury.

“We’ll have to wait and see the extent of that injury, and we’ll find solutions, but obviously he’s our captain and is a player that gives us a completely different dimension with the things that he can do, especially in attacking.”

Injuries played a part in the derailment of Arsenal’s title challenge last season, and just seven games into the new campaign they are already threatening to damage another title charge.

Losing players such as Bukayo Saka, Havertz, Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli puts pressure on the rest of the squad.

Eberechi Eze, who has impressed since signing from Crystal Palace, has also strengthened the side’s depth in attack on the flanks.