Arsenal in Crisis? Ødegaard Set to Miss Nine Key Games

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is set to miss a significant portion of the upcoming fixtures due to a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury sustained during the 2–0 victory over West Ham United on October 4, 2025. The injury occurred following a knee-to-knee collision with Crysencio Summerville, forcing Ødegaard to leave the pitch after just 30 minutes.

Despite initial hopes for a swift recovery, Ødegaard is not expected to return to action until after the November international break. This timeline suggests he will miss at least nine matches for both club and country.

Arsenal’s upcoming fixtures during Ødegaard’s expected absence include Premier League matches against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland. Additionally, Ødegaard will miss Champions League encounters as well as a League Cup tie. His availability for the North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur remains uncertain.

This setback adds to a challenging season for Ødegaard, who has already dealt with injuries earlier in the campaign. The absence of their captain presents a significant challenge for manager Mikel Arteta, who will need to adjust his midfield options accordingly. Potential replacements include Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, and Christian Nørgaard, who may be called upon to fill the void left by Ødegaard’s absence.

Arsenal supporters will be hoping for a swift recovery for Ødegaard, as his leadership and creativity in midfield are integral to the team’s success. The upcoming matches will be crucial in maintaining their momentum in both domestic and European competitions.