The 26-year-old has endured a frustrating run of injuries this season, having already battled a shoulder problem that limited his game time and forced him off early in matches against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. His latest issue confirmed as an MCL injury saw him withdraw from Norway’s national team duty to undergo further tests at London Colney.

According to BBC Sport, Ødegaard will miss a packed schedule that includes Fulham, Burnley, Slavia Prague, Sunderland, Atlético Madrid, Crystal Palace, and Brighton, covering all three competitions. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta must now rely on depth options to maintain the team’s momentum as they continue their title and European challenges.

Eberechi Eze, who joined Arsenal in the summer, is tipped to replace Ødegaard in the advanced midfield role, with Ethan Nwaneri and Mikel Merino also under consideration. All three offer different strengths, but none quite replicate Ødegaard’s creativity and leadership.

Arteta will be desperate to have his captain available again for the North London Derby against Tottenham on November 23, which is Arsenal’s first fixture following the international break. If recovery takes longer, Ødegaard could instead eye a return for the Bayern Munich and Chelsea clashes later that month  a crucial week that could shape Arsenal’s season.

Ødegaard’s absence adds to a growing list of fitness concerns for Arsenal, with Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke also recovering from knee issues. Both are expected to be available again around the same time as the captain, offering a timely boost ahead of the hectic winter schedule.

Despite the blow, Arsenal remain optimistic about Ødegaard’s recovery and confident that their midfield options can step up in his absence  but as the title race tightens, the Gunners will be hoping their influential leader returns sooner rather than later.