Just three days after his “phenomenal” Champions League performance against Olympiacos, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is facing another injury concern following his side’s 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham United.
The Norwegian midfielder was forced off after only 30 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, becoming the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts.
Ødegaard, 26, collided “knee-to-knee” with West Ham forward Crysencio Summerville and was later seen with a brace on his leg.
His early exit adds to a frustrating start to the season, having also been withdrawn early in wins over Leeds United and Nottingham Forest because of a recurring shoulder issue.
“I just spoke to him,” manager Mikel Arteta said after the match. “He’s not feeling positive about it. He’s got a brace on, and we’ll have to wait for the doctors’ assessment — but we haven’t been very lucky with that either.
“We haven’t really had him fit since the start of the season — the shoulder twice, and now this injury. We’ll have to wait and see the extent of it. Obviously, he’s our captain and gives us a completely different dimension, especially in attack. Hopefully, it’s not too bad.”
Ødegaard’s absence would be a major blow for Arsenal, who have started the season strongly but are already managing a growing list of fitness concerns.
