Arsenal hit with repeat injury as Liverpool watch closely
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Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has suffered a significant injury setback involving his right shoulder, which has recurred following a similar injury sustained in a match against Leeds United a few weeks prior. During Arsenal's 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, Odegaard aggravated the same shoulder after an awkward fall caused by a heavy challenge. Despite attempting to continue playing, he was forced off the pitch midway through the first half due to pain and discomfort. This recurrence has raised concerns regarding his short-term availability and complicates Arsenal’s busy September fixture schedule.
Earlier scans following the Leeds injury revealed no fractures or dislocations, and Odegaard returned as a substitute in subsequent matches, as well as representing Norway internationally. However, the similarity in the nature and timing of the injuries—both involving awkward landings on the right shoulder and premature exits—has been troubling for both the player and the medical team.
In addition to the shoulder injury, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed a separate and “quite significant” ligament damage to Odegaard’s left ankle, suffered during international duty with Norway. This ankle injury forced Odegaard to miss the North London derby against Tottenham and is expected to sideline him for an unspecified extended period, potentially encompassing key matches including a high-profile Premier League game against Manchester City and Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League opener against Atalanta. Arteta described this ankle ligament damage as a serious setback, emphasizing that the captain will be out “for a while,” although not necessarily for months.
Odegaard’s recent injuries constitute a considerable blow to Arsenal, who are already managing absences of other important players such as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba. The team’s depth was highlighted in the Forest win, through contributions from other players like Martín Zubimendi and Victor Gyokeres, but the loss of their captain in multiple key fixtures poses a significant challenge.
PP