Team Announce Ødegaard Has Medial Collateral Ligament Damage

Arsenal have confirmed that Martin Ødegaard has pulled out from the national team for upcoming matches against New Zealand and Israel after suffering a medial collateral ligament injury to his knee during the 2-0 victory over their opponents on Saturday.

Ødegaard collapsed holding his knee after clashing with Crysencio Summerville during the opening period at the Emirates and twice attempted to continue playing after being treated before being eventually replaced by Martín Zubimendi. Mikel Arteta said after the match that Ødegaard had left the ground with his knee supported and admitted his captain was “pessimistic about it.”

Although Declan Rice is expected to meet up with the national team this week despite also being substituted against West Ham with a back problem, Arsenal confirmed on Sunday that Ødegaard had pulled out from the Norway squad and it is understood they are optimistic that he will only be out for weeks rather than a long period. “Ødegaard will continue to be assessed and cared for by our staff during the break, with the goal of a comeback as soon as possible,” Arsenal said in a statement.

Ødegaard has endured an unlucky beginning to the season after struggling with a shoulder injury that caused him to leave against Leeds and Nottingham Forest. He will join several teammates on the injury list, while the recent acquisition Piero Hincapié is likely to come back from a groin injury after the international break.