Odegaard's Setback: Knee Injury Forces Withdrawal from Norway Squad

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard has withdrawn from Norway's squad due to a knee ligament injury. Sustained during a Premier League match against West Ham, the midfielder will miss upcoming World Cup qualifier and a friendly. Odegaard's ongoing injury struggles have marred his season, impacting his performance significantly.

Martin Odegaard, a key midfielder for Arsenal, has been forced to withdraw from the Norwegian national squad owing to a knee ligament injury, the club announced on Sunday. The injury was incurred during Arsenal's 2-0 Premier League victory over West Ham United.

Odegaard's injury means he will be absent from Norway's World Cup 2026 qualifier against Israel and a friendly match against New Zealand on October 14. Arsenal has confirmed that Odegaard sustained a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee.

Arsenal stated that Odegaard will receive treatment during the international window, with hopes of a swift recovery. The season has been challenging for Odegaard as injuries continue to plague his campaign, including a shoulder injury earlier against Leeds United and its recurrence against Nottingham Forest.

(With inputs from agencies.)