LONDON — Just days after a “phenomenal” performance against Olympiakos in the Champions League, Martin Odegaard faced another setback in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham. The Gunners captain was forced off after only 30 minutes, becoming the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts.
The 26-year-old Norwegian has endured a frustrating start to the season, having also left early in victories against Leeds and Nottingham Forest due to a recurring shoulder issue. This time, however, Odegaard was withdrawn after a knee-to-knee collision with West Ham forward Crysencio Summerville.
“He’s not positive about it. He’s got a brace on. We’ll have to wait and see from the doctors,” manager Mikel Arteta said. “We haven’t had him since the start of the season for one reason or the other. We’ll have to wait and see the extent of that injury, but obviously he’s our captain and gives us a completely different dimension in attack.”
How Odegaard Set the Unwanted Record
Arsenal 5-0 Leeds (23 August)
After a full debut against Manchester United, Odegaard was withdrawn after 38 minutes against Leeds due to a shoulder landing awkwardly.
Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest (13 September)
Odegaard returned from Norway’s international break but had to come off in the 18th minute because of a recurrence of the shoulder injury.
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham (4 October)
Odegaard made a late substitute appearance against Newcastle and played fully against Olympiakos, only to be withdrawn 30 minutes into the West Ham game due to a knee knock.
A Positive Amid the Setbacks: Arsenal’s Squad Depth
Despite Odegaard’s injury woes, Arsenal’s £250m summer overhaul has already shown its value. Martin Zubimendi, who replaced Odegaard, initiated the move leading to Declan Rice’s opening goal. When Rice left with a back injury, Arteta brought on Mikel Merino and academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, showcasing the Gunners’ depth.
“It’s not ideal because we had clear intentions with the line-up,” Arteta said. “But the good thing is we can bring somebody else in and be a little different but still very, very efficient. The finishers could be more important than the starting players this season.”
Odegaard’s presence remains crucial for Arsenal, but the team’s strong squad rotation could help mitigate the impact of his early-season injury troubles.
