Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is likely to miss six games with knee ligament damage, and the onus is on Mikel Arteta’s new team to take up the responsibility in his absence.
Mikel Arteta faces an early test of the strength and size of his squad. Martin Odegaard’s injury absence should be seen as a major blow to Arsenal’s title hopes, as he is captain, a great player and a creative force at his best.
However, Arsenal currently face a major problem with Odegaard being sidelined at least until the November international break due to knee ligament damage. He will miss up to six games for the Gunners. This is a serious blow, and one that likely came as a huge blow to them last season when Odegaard was sidelined for an extended period with an ankle injury while on international duty with Norway.
Odegaard struggled to regain his best form last season upon his return from injury, and there is little doubt that Arsenal fans saw only fleeting moments of brilliance from him.
read more: Arsenal’s latest injuries and return dates after new setbacks – Odegaard, Hincapie, Jesusread more: Martin Odegaard could miss all Arsenal games as injury schedule revealed
This raised the question of whether the captain’s armband was heavy and why it was below normal standards. It was clear from Odegaard’s body language that his own confidence was affected.
And the real shame about Odegaard’s injury-plagued start to this season is that he had enjoyed a great pre-season, was fit, fighting, sharp and looking forward to what was to come. His teammates noticed a real improvement in his confidence and performance, and he seemed to be back to his best thanks to a strong pre-season.
Then there was the shoulder injury – first suffered against Leeds, then relapsed against Nottingham Forest – and then the knee injury against West Ham.
Arteta has undoubtedly been guilty of bringing players back too soon after injury in the past, but with Arsenal’s squad now, he no longer needs to do that. To be fair, Odegaard’s recent injury was pure bad luck, a knee injury, not a suggestion that he returned too soon.
But Arsenal still have a choice as to what to do next. Odegaard’s obvious replacements as number 10 are Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri.
Eze was definitely bought. Because he can offer both centrally and on the left. He has the physicality to be a big threat and is different from Odegaard in that respect as the Norwegian midfielder looks much lighter.
Eze showed glimpses of his potential and after a good performance at Newcastle, Odegaard arrived and arguably changed the game in Arsenal’s favor. That’s his magic touch.
Nwaneri is a really interesting player with a big season ahead of him. Borussia Dortmund really wanted him last summer and presented him with a great offer and opportunity. But Arsenal made a hard sell on him and convinced him to stay, but he needs to play.
His minutes and playing time are limited and if he doesn’t get an opportunity over the next six games or so, you might really question whether it was the right thing to stay.
He is a very special talent and Arsenal will want to nurture him, develop him and keep him happy. That’s a challenge for any manager.
But Arsenal could also change form. That means Martin Zvimendi will be number six, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino. This is a set-up that Arteta has tried but has been criticized for being negative and seen as playing with the handbrake on.
However, Arsenal are left with serious options. That was last summer. They sit at the top of the Premier League. It’s going to be a big test over the next few weeks, but we should have depth now.
There was a sense of panic when we lost Odegaard to an ankle injury a year ago. Injuries were the talking point of their season. I don’t feel that way anymore. However, the depth of the team and the strength of its potential will only be felt once the team reaches the top at the end of the season.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
