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Martin Odegaard joined Arsenal in 2021 Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is not expected to return from a knee injury until after the November international break. The midfielder suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in the Gunners' win over West Ham on 4 October and had to be replaced during the first half. Arsenal released a statement the day after, confirming Odegaard would miss the current international window, but did not set a timeline for his recovery. However, the 26-year-old is set to remain unavailable until after the next set of international fixtures in the middle of November. The news means Odegaard will miss Premier League games against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland, as well as Champions League matches against Atletico Madrid and Slavia Prague. Who should step up for Odegaard? What is an MCL injury? The news will come as a blow to manager Mikel Arteta given Odegaard's importance to his team. The start of Odegaard's season has been plagued by injury problems, with the midfielder being forced off in the first half of three consecutive Premier League matches. Arsenal face north London rivals Tottenham immediately after next month's international break, and it remains to be seen whether Odegaard can recover in time for the derby on 23 November. Norway took a significant step towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup on Saturday, beating Israel 5-0. Should they qualify for next summer's competition, it will be their first international tournament since 2000. Latest Arsenal news, analysis and fan views Ask about Arsenal - what do you want to know? England playing for 'moral' Ashes victory England's Bright retires from international football 'Another celebrity boss? No, I've earned my chance' Get onboard and travel back in time on the railways Musician, Ronnie Wood, shares the soundtrack of his life Rooney reacts to Gerrard’s 'Golden Generation' comments VHS vs Betamax: The home video battle of the 70s and 80s What could change in first England squad since Euro 2025? 'Another celebrity boss? No, I've earned my chance' Three players, 57 goals - who is the best striker? Blowing whistle on racism killed my career - Burrell Is 'humble' Kane still England's undervalued superstar? Hull KR beat Wigan to win first Super League title Video Hull KR beat Wigan to win first Super League title 'I thought it was a heart attack' - how collapse changed Kirby's life 'England's world-class duo put rivals on notice' Was Slovakia win Northern Ireland's best display under O'Neill? Captain, player, manager, Mister, number one - Davids at Barnet I'd give up winners to hug family again, says paralysed jockey Lee Does Federer have a point? Are courts being slowed to aid Alcaraz and Sinner? 'Being gay in men's football is a very toxic place' Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.