Martin Ødegaard Forced Off With Fresh Shoulder Injury

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard left the pitch early against Nottingham Forest after picking up a new shoulder injury. His absence has raised concerns for the team’s midfield strength in upcoming matches.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ødegaard suffered his latest setback just 17 minutes into Arsenal’s Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium. As Arsenal looked to clear a corner, Ødegaard moved quickly to dispossess Forest forward Morgan Gibbs-White as he sought to control the ball under pressure from Gabriel on the edge of the area.

But as he did so he collided heavily with his own player Jurriën Timber and fell awkwardly on his left shoulder. Ødegaard immediately appeared in pain and after being assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff, a decision was quickly made to replace him with Ethan Nwaneri.

This is the same shoulder that Ødegaard first injured during the victory over Leeds United on August 23. After missing Arsenal’s defeat at Liverpool, hopes were high that he could return to fitness after the international break, but this latest setback looks set to rule him out for another chunk of the season.

ARSENAL’S SEASON SO FAR

Ødegaard’s injury comes at a delicate time for Arsenal. Arteta’s side made an excellent start to the campaign before the internationals, winning four out of their opening five games in all competitions. However, the defeat at Anfield has left them sitting third in the Premier League ahead of their Champions League opener against Athletic Club.

As it stands, Arsenal is currently in third place in the Premier League, struggling to build momentum with nine points after four matches following a notable start. Now they must face their upcoming fixtures without Ødegaard, who has one goal and two assists so far this season. Arteta is already without Timber, his only recognised midfield backup, who damaged knee ligaments earlier in the campaign. Ødegaard’s injury is yet another blow for a side who started the season full of optimism after winning both the Premier League and Champions League last term.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arsenal have a tough run of fixtures coming up. They face Athletic Bilbao in the Champions League next week following the Premier League visit of Manchester City next weekend for the Premier League.

As such, Arteta needs his plans in place for an extended period. Ødegaard’s injury is likely to see Ethan Nwaneri given more game time and expected to operate in attacking midfield until the 26-year-old’s return.

After the defeat at Anfield, Arsenal cannot afford to lose any more ground on Liverpool if they want to pose a challenge to the Premier League title, but this could be easier said than done without Ødegaard.