Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Martin Odegaard will be out for several weeks as there remains no definite date for his return from injury.
Odegaard sustained a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury before the international break, forcing him off during Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham two weeks ago.
As a result, the Gunners captain withdrew from Norway’s squad for their October internationals, with some reports indicating he could be sidelined until after the next international break in November.
Arteta acknowledged that possibility but expressed his hope for an earlier comeback as he provided an update on the Norwegian’s progress.
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Odegaard’s return still uncertain
“Martin will be weeks, there is no definite date for his return but he's evolving well,” Arteta said ahead of Arsenal’s upcoming trip to Fulham on Saturday (October 18).
“It’s very unlucky what's happening with him and his injuries this season, but I think he will be back in a few weeks.
“It could be [an absence until after the international break], but we will have to see how he is progressing, how his knee is feeling, how he manages the next steps in his rehab; it's too early to get an answer.”
This marks Odegaard’s third injury setback of the campaign, after spending time our twice due to a shoulder issue.
Owing to his recurring injury issues, the 26-year-old has managed just 204 minutes of Premier League action so far this season.
Odegaard’s prolonged absence complicates matters for Arteta, who is already without Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Piero Hincapie, Kai Havertz, Ben White, and Gabriel Jesus for the time being.
Despite the setback, Arsenal will be confident of keeping their good form going as they enter the weekend at the top of the table, with a slim one-point lead over defending champions Liverpool.
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