Arsenal currently lead the Premier League but are set to be without a key player for a significant period. The Gunners’ captain Martin Odegaard was forced off with a knee injury during their victory over West Ham.
Mikel Arteta‘s squad triumphed 2-0 over the Hammers last week at the Emirates, securing a one-point lead over title rivals Liverpool at the top of the league table. However, after battling with injuries throughout the season, skipper Odegaard was taken off just 30 minutes into the game. The Norwegian midfielder had to be replaced due to an apparent knee injury. A former medical professional from Norway’s national team has now shed light on when Odegaard might return to the pitch. Express Sport provides the latest updates from north London, including a Gunners legend questioning some of Arteta’s choices and a potential plan the club could adopt for their rumoured stadium renovation.
Doctor provides update on Martin Odegaard
Odegaard had already been sidelined this season after sustaining a shoulder injury during Arsenal‘s win against 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.
Due to this setback, he is not part of Norway’s squad for this international break. Lars Engebretsen, who previously worked with the national team, predicts that he could be out of action for two months or more.
Engebretsen told Dagbladet: “I don’t have information about exactly what the MRI showed but based on the injury video, it could be a lateral ligament injury. If it is such an injury, Odegaard risks being out for six to eight weeks.
“But it depends on the size. It could also be a more extensive injury, cruciate ligaments maybe. In that case, the period on the sidelines could be longer.”
Ian Wright raises Mikel Arteta issue
Despite his Gunners currently topping the Premier League table, manager Arteta has faced criticism this season over certain team selections.
Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has expressed concern that some early tactical decisions might prove costly for his old club as the campaign progresses, with the Gunners legend already questioning some of the head coach’s choices.
Wright told Stick to Football: “You know something? What last week done was reaffirmed to people that, listen, we’re in there with a great chance, with a great squad. I think we’ve got the best squad in the league at the moment. I don’t care what anyone says, and now it’s up to the manager, making sure that he puts the right piece on the pitch at the right time.
“Simply because I’ve seen a couple of results where I think he should have started with different people and get the game done. But then he does his thing in respect of bringing people on as finishers.”
Stadium provides perfect example for the Emirates
This week, reports emerged that Arsenal may be considering expanding the capacity of the Emirates Stadium from 60,700 to 70,000.
The proposed plan could set the club back by more than £500 million and would necessitate a complete overhaul of the stadium’s interior.
Despite no immediate rush to implement such plans, one European stadium has already embarked on a similar project. Benfica’s Estadio da Luz, designed by the same architects who constructed Arsenal‘s home ground, has recently undergone renovations.
In preparation for the 2025/26 season, the 65,000-capacity stadium was remodelled to accommodate 68,100 spectators.
The ultimate aim is to reach a capacity of 70,000, with the stadium boasting an exterior bowl almost identical to the Emirates.
The increased capacity was achieved by adding two new rows of seats to the lower tier of the stadium, a move that Arsenal fans can anticipate for their own ground. This stadium could provide a sneak peek into what the future holds for Arsenal.