Mikel Arteta confirms Martin Odegaard will be sidelined few weeks

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the duration of playmaker Martin Odegaard’s absence due to a knee injury sustained on 23 August against Leeds United, which was reaggravated during the match against West Ham United on October 4.

Arteta’s side have several high-profile players on the injury list, but that has not deterred them from moving ahead of their peers to stay on top of the Premier League table after seven games in the season.

Following the international break, the Premier League leaders return with several key players hampered by injuries and below-par performances.

Arsenal’s captain, Odegaard, is now the fourth player sidelined with a knee injury, following Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke. He also missed two weeks last month due to a shoulder issue.

Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday’s clash against London rivals Fulham, Arteta indicated that Odegaard will be out for a few weeks:

“He will be weeks. No definite date for his return. But he is evolving well. It’s very unlucky what is happening with him,” Arteta said.

“I think he will be back in a few weeks … but we’ll have to see how he is progressing, how his knee is feeling. It’s too early to get an answer.”

The Spanish manager also gave an update on key players, such as Martin Zubimendi and Ben White, while confirming their inclusion in Saturday’s match.

Meanwhile, Ecuador centre-back Piero Hincapie may return to the matchday squad after missing a month with a groin injury.

Martin Odegaard knee injury — Martin Odegaard sustained a knee injury on October 4, 2025 against West Ham United (Getty Images)

Even with a robust squad capable of managing injuries, Arsenal—boasting the league’s strongest defence, conceding just three goals in seven matches—relies heavily on the return of key players like Norway international Odegaard to maintain their edge.

Highlighting Odegaard’s vital role, Arteta emphasised that the captain significantly enhances the team’s overall performance.

“He’s very, very important for us and we haven’t had him since the start of the season, like other players … but we need him back as he makes us a better team,” Arteta said