Arsenal will be without their captain and playmaker, Martin Ødegaard, for several weeks after he sustained an injury while representing Norway during the international break. Mikel Arteta’s concerns grew when Ødegaard went down in evident pain and had to be assisted off the pitch, later boarding a flight on crutches.
While Ødegaard has undergone an initial scan, further assessments are pending, and the club has not yet established a timeline for his recovery. However, club medics are cautious about his return, given his pivotal role in the team. Early indications suggest he could be sidelined for approximately three weeks. This timeframe coincides with critical matches that could be defining for Arsenal’s season.
Norway’s team doctor, Ole Sand, provided insight into the situation, stating, “Such ankle injuries often take at least three weeks. Anything less is a bonus, and recovery can sometimes take longer. The MRI results indicate that there is likely no fracture in the ankle, which is encouraging.” He added, “In the event of a fracture, we would be looking at a recovery period of six-weeks or more.”
Ødegaard has been instrumental for Arsenal, having missed only four games in the past two seasons as the team has emerged as title contenders. His presence in the No. 10 role has been crucial, with limited options for rotation behind him. As Arsenal gears up for significant matches, including the north London derby against Tottenham this Sunday, Arteta will need to find suitable replacements.
Kai Havertz and Leandro Trossard are likely candidates to fill the void left by Ødegaard as the Gunners also kick off their Champions League campaign and prepare for a challenging away match against Manchester City.
Ødegaard’s contributions in terms of goals, assists, and chances created will be sorely missed. Arsenal now faces a crucial decision regarding how cautiously to approach his return. With an examination of their past performances without him being essential to this assessment.
Previous Performances Without Ødegaard
September 2022 – Brentford 0-3 Arsenal
Despite suffering their first loss of the season against Manchester United, Arsenal rebounded impressively against Brentford. In Ødegaard’s absence, the Gunners secured a convincing win, taking an early lead and maintaining control throughout the match. Fabio Vieira, who replaced Ødegaard, scored a stunning long-range effort to help clinch the victory. However, Vieira is unavailable this time, having re-joined FC Porto on loan earlier this year.
October 2023 – Arsenal 5-0 Sheffield United
In a dominant performance against a struggling Sheffield United side, Arsenal shone without Ødegaard. Emile Smith Rowe seized the opportunity in midfield, and Eddie Nketiah netted a hat-trick, showcasing Arsenal’s attacking prowess. Vieira, who came on as a substitute, also contributed to the scoreline, and Havertz displayed his versatility by playing in midfield before transitioning to a false 9 role later in the season.
November 2023 – Newcastle 1-0 Arsenal
The only defeat Arsenal suffered without Ødegaard came in a controversial clash against Newcastle. A contentious goal from Anthony Gordon, which survived multiple VAR checks, proved decisive. In this match, Arsenal managed only one shot on target, struggling to find their rhythm with a midfield comprising Havertz, Declan Rice, and Jorginho.
November 2023 – Arsenal 3-1 Burnley
In a match against Burnley, Ødegaard’s absence was felt once again, as Arsenal played their third consecutive game without him. Despite Burnley briefly equalizing, Arsenal regained control and secured the win. However, the match was marred by a late red card for Vieira, who had just come off the bench.
As Arsenal looks ahead to a pivotal period in their season, the ability to adapt without their captain will-be critical. How Arteta manages the squad in Ødegaard’s absence could prove vital for their ambitions as they aim for success on multiple fronts.
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