Arsenal’s 2025-26 campaign has been rocked by a series of injuries, with the latest update on captain Martin Odegaard delivering a gut punch to fans and manager Mikel Arteta alike. The Norwegian midfielder, a linchpin in Arsenal’s midfield, is set to be sidelined for “weeks” due to an MCL injury, compounding an already challenging season for the Gunners.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Fulham, Arteta revealed the extent of Odegaard’s latest setback. “It will be weeks,” the Spaniard said, avoiding a definitive timeline for the 27-year-old’s return. “No definite date for his return, but he is evolving well. Very unlucky what is happening with him and his injuries this season, but I think he will be back in a few weeks.” Arteta hinted that Odegaard’s return might come after the next international break, but stressed that the midfielder’s recovery depends on how his knee responds to rehabilitation. “It’s too early to give an answer,” he added.
This is not the first time Odegaard has been sidelined this season. A shoulder injury earlier in the campaign already forced him to miss four matches, and this latest MCL issue threatens to keep him out for even longer. The Arsenal skipper’s absence is a significant blow to a team that has relied heavily on his creativity and leadership in the middle of the park.
The injury crisis doesn’t end with Odegaard. Long-term absentee Kai Havertz, who has been out since the start of the season with a knee injury, faces a “very difficult” road to recovery. Arteta acknowledged the German’s determination to return quickly but emphasized the need to protect him. “There is still a lot to do in his rehab. He wants to break every timeline, I am sure, but as well we have to protect him,” Arteta said. Havertz’s versatility has been sorely missed, leaving Arsenal short of options in both attack and midfield.
However, there are glimmers of hope for the north Londoners. Arteta confirmed that Martin Zubimendi and Ben White are available for selection despite missing training earlier in the week. Zubimendi, who has shouldered a heavy workload recently, was rested as a precaution. “He played two games again, and he needed an extra day. He will be available,” Arteta explained. Similarly, new signing Piero Hincapie is back in training after persistent niggles, while winger Noni Madueke is “getting closer” to a return following a knee injury sustained in a 1-1 draw with Manchester City. “He is going to do some running soon,” Arteta noted.
The mounting injuries have forced Arteta to navigate a delicate balancing act, with key players missing and others returning from international duty with varying levels of fatigue. “All the players come from different countries, with different amounts of games and minutes played,” Arteta said, highlighting the challenges of managing a squad stretched thin by injuries and international commitments.
For Arsenal, Odegaard’s prolonged absence could prove catastrophic as they face a crucial stretch of fixtures. The Gunners’ title aspirations and hopes of competing on multiple fronts hinge on their ability to weather this injury storm. With Havertz still far from a return and other players only just regaining fitness, Arteta will need to rely on his squad’s depth and resilience to keep Arsenal’s season on track.
As the Gunners prepare to face Fulham, the absence of their captain looms large. Fans will be hoping for positive updates on Odegaard and Havertz in the coming weeks, but for now, Arsenal’s worst-case injury scenario is unfolding, testing the resolve of both the team and its supporters.