Arsenal have been dealt a huge injury blow following their 2-0 Premier League win over West Ham United on Saturday, as captain Martin Ødegaard has been diagnosed with a collateral ligament injury to his left knee.

The club confirmed the news in a statement on Sunday, revealing that the Norwegian playmaker will miss international duty with Norway and remain in London for treatment.

Ødegaard was substituted in the second half against West Ham after appearing to be in discomfort, sparking immediate concern among fans and coaching staff.

As a result, he has been withdrawn from Norway’s squad for their upcoming friendly matches against Israel and New Zealand. The midfielder will be monitored closely by Arsenal’s medical team throughout the international break as he aims to recover in time for their Premier League clash with Fulham.

“Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team during the international window,” Arsenal said in a statement.

Opinion: Arsenal’s Title Hopes May Depend on Odegaard’s Recovery

For Arsenal, this injury comes at a worrying time. Ødegaard isn’t just their captain — he’s the heartbeat of Mikel Arteta’s system, the creative link between midfield control and attacking precision.

His calmness on the ball, spatial awareness, and leadership have been central to Arsenal’s strong start this season. Losing him, even temporarily, could disrupt their rhythm — especially as the title race intensifies with Liverpool and Manchester City breathing down their necks.

Arsenal have plenty of midfield options — the likes of Declan Rice, Fabio Vieira, and Kai Havertz can fill the gap — but none replicate Ødegaard’s unique blend of creativity and composure. This could test the squad’s depth and Arteta’s tactical adaptability.

Still, if there’s one thing this Arsenal side has shown in recent months, it’s resilience. The coming weeks will not only test their title credentials but also reveal how well they can cope without their talismanic leader.

Fans will be hoping Ødegaard’s injury is minor — because without their Norwegian maestro, Arsenal’s attacking spark could dim just when they need it most.