Report: Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard only to return from injury in six weeks

Odegaard suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in his left knee during the Gunners' 2-0 victory over West Ham on October 4, after a collision with Crysencio Summerville. Despite attempting to continue after receiving treatment on the pitch, the Norwegian was eventually substituted in the first half.

Arsenal later confirmed the injury through an official statement but did not specify a recovery timeline, only noting that he would miss the current international window. However, reports from BBC Sport and The Times have since indicated that the midfielder is not expected to return before the next international break in mid-November.

This timeline would see Odegaard ruled out of at least seven key fixtures across multiple competitions, including Premier League matches against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley, and Sunderland, Champions League clashes with Atletico Madrid and Slavia Prague, and a Carabao Cup tie with Brighton.

The start of his season has been hampered by ongoing fitness concerns, with this knee problem following a shoulder injury earlier in the campaign. He also missed nearly two months last season due to an ankle issue sustained while on international duty.

In Odegaard's absence, Eberechi Eze has taken on increased creative responsibilities in midfield, while 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri has also featured as a promising option.

Arsenal are already dealing with a growing injury list that includes Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke, although defender Piero Hincapie is expected to return from a groin injury after the international break.

There is hope within the club that Odegaard could recover in time for the North London Derby against Tottenham on November 23, but his availability for that match remains uncertain.