Arsenal’s return to the top of the Premier League after their victory over West Ham was overshadowed by fresh injury concerns surrounding **captain Martin Ødegaard**. Despite the team’s strong performance, the Norwegian midfielder was once again forced off the pitch — marking the **third straight match** in which he has suffered discomfort.
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#### **Arteta Confirms: “It’s Not Looking Positive”**
Speaking after the game, Mikel Arteta admitted his frustration over Ødegaard’s situation:
> “With Martin, it was a knee-to-knee clash. It’s not looking very positive at this moment. He felt discomfort immediately. I just spoke with him, and he’s not optimistic about it. He’s wearing a brace, and we’ll have to wait for the doctors’ assessment.”
The club later confirmed on Sunday that Ødegaard has sustained a **medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury** to his **left knee**, ruling him out of Norway’s international fixtures.
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#### **Injury Expert Weighs In**
According to injury analyst **Physio Scout**, the Arsenal captain is likely dealing with a **Grade 2 MCL injury**, which could keep him sidelined for **up to six weeks**.
**Recovery time estimates:**
* Grade 1: 1–3 weeks
* Grade 2: 3–6 weeks
* Grade 3: 6–10 weeks or longer
While a Grade 3 injury appears unlikely, even the six-week absence projected for a Grade 2 sprain poses a significant blow to Arsenal’s momentum.
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#### **Matches Ødegaard Could Miss (If Out for Six Weeks)**
If recovery takes the full six weeks, Ødegaard is expected to miss **seven key fixtures** leading into the next international break:
* **Fulham vs Arsenal** — October 18
* **Arsenal vs Atletico Madrid (UCL)** — October 21
* **Arsenal vs Crystal Palace** — October 26
* **Arsenal vs Brighton** — October 29
* **Burnley vs Arsenal** — November 1
* **Slavia Praha vs Arsenal (UCL)** — November 4
* **Sunderland vs Arsenal** — November 8
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#### **Depth to Cope — But a Big Miss**
While this setback is far from ideal, Arsenal’s strengthened squad depth — thanks to the additions of **Eberechi Eze**, **Viktor Gyökeres**, and others — provides Arteta with valuable options in Ødegaard’s absence.
Still, losing the **team’s creative heartbeat and on-field leader** for an extended period will test the Gunners’ resolve across both domestic and European fronts.
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**Bottom Line:** Arsenal fans will hope for the best as Ødegaard undergoes further assessment. A swift recovery for their captain could prove crucial as the Gunners enter a defining stretch of the season.
