Arsenal currently lead the Premier League, but are expected to be without key players for a considerable period of time. Gunners captain Martin Odegaard was sent off with a knee injury during the win over West Ham.
Mikel Arteta’s side beat the Hammers 2-0 at the Emirates last week, securing a one-point lead over league leaders Liverpool and their title rivals. However, they were plagued by injuries throughout the season and captain Odegaard was sent off just 30 minutes into the game. The Norwegian midfielder had to be substituted due to an apparent knee injury. A former medical expert for the Norwegian national team has revealed when Odegaard will return to the pitch. Express Sport brings you the latest from north London, including Gunners legends questioning some of Arteta’s choices and the plans the club may adopt for the rumored stadium renovation.
Doctor provides latest information on Martin Odegaard
Odegaard has already been sidelined this season after sustaining a shoulder injury during Arsenal’s win over Leeds United in August. However, after being substituted early in several other matches, an MCL problem finally got the better of him against West Ham.
Because of this setback, he is not included in Norway’s squad for this international break. Lars Engebretsen, who previously worked with the national team, expects he could be sidelined for more than two months.
“We don’t have information exactly what the MRI showed, but based on the injury video, it could be a lateral ligament injury. If it’s such an injury, there is a risk that Odegaard will be out for six to eight weeks,” Engebretsen told Dergblade.
“But it also depends on the size. It could also be a more extensive injury, such as to the cruciate ligament. In that case, he could be out for a longer period of time.”
Ian Wright raises Mikel Arteta issue
Despite the Gunners currently sitting top of the Premier League, Arteta has faced criticism over certain team selections this season.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has raised concerns that early tactical decisions could prove costly for his former club as the season progresses, with the Gunners legend already questioning some of his head coach’s choices.
Wright told Stick to Football: “You know what? Last week was a reminder to people. Listen, we’re out there with a great team and a great opportunity. I think we have the best team in the league at the moment. I don’t care what anybody says. It’s just up to the coach to get the right pieces on the field at the right time.”
“Simply because I saw some results where I think he should have started with another guy and finished the game. But in terms of putting guys in as finishers, he’s doing what he’s supposed to do.”
The stadium provides a perfect example for Emirates
Reports emerged this week that Arsenal could be considering increasing the capacity of Emirates Stadium from 60,700 to 70,000.
The proposed plans could set the club back more than half a billion pounds and would require a complete overhaul of the stadium’s interior.
There is no immediate need to rush to implement such a plan, but one European stadium has already embarked on a similar project. Benfica’s Estadio da Luz was designed by the same architect who built Arsenal’s home base and has recently undergone renovations.
In preparation for the 2025/26 season, the 65,000-seater stadium has been renovated to accommodate 68,100 spectators.
The ultimate goal is to reach a capacity of 70,000 in a stadium that boasts a bowl that looks almost identical to the Emirates.
The increased capacity was achieved by adding two new rows of seats to the lower level of the stadium. This is a move that Arsenal fans can expect from their ground. This stadium could offer a glimpse into Arsenal’s future.
