Team Announce Ødegaard Suffers Medial Collateral Ligament Damage

Arsenal have confirmed that Martin Ødegaard has pulled out from the national team for their games against New Zealand and Israel after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee during the win over their opponents on Saturday.

Ødegaard went down clutching his knee after clashing with Crysencio Summerville during the opening period at the Emirates and twice attempted to carry on 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.”

But while Declan Rice is scheduled to join with the national team this week despite also being substituted against West Ham with a back issue, Arsenal confirmed on Sunday that Ødegaard had withdrawn from the Norway squad and it is understood they are optimistic that he will only be sidelined briefly rather than a long period. “Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our staff during the international window, with the aim of a comeback as soon as possible,” Arsenal said in a release.

Ødegaard has experienced an unlucky beginning to the season after dealing with a shoulder problem that forced him off against two opponents. He will be alongside Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke on the injury list, while the recent acquisition Piero Hincapié is expected to return from a groin issue after the international break.