Simply days after a formidable show within the Champions League, Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has made an undesirable piece of Premier League historical past.
Throughout Arsenal’s 2-0 win over West Ham on Saturday, Ødegaard needed to be substituted after simply half-hour as a consequence of a knock to his knee. This made him the primary participant in Premier League historical past to be taken off earlier than half-time in three consecutive begins.
A Irritating Begin to the Season
The 26-year-old Norwegian has struggled with accidents this season. He had already come off early in two earlier matches:
Towards Leeds (August 23), he was subbed off within the thirty eighth minute with a shoulder downside.
Towards Nottingham Forest (September 13), he was taken off within the 18th minute with the identical shoulder problem.
This time, in opposition to West Ham, Ødegaard went knee-to-knee with Crysencio Summerville and couldn’t proceed. He was seen carrying a brace on the bench afterwards.
Arteta Reacts to Damage Setback
Talking after the match, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta stated:
“I simply spoke to him. He’s not feeling constructive about it. We’ll have to attend and see what the docs say, however we haven’t had a lot luck with him this season.”
Arteta confirmed that accidents have stored Ødegaard out for a lot of the season thus far – first his shoulder, and now his knee.
“He’s our captain and provides us one thing totally different, particularly in assault. Hopefully, it’s not too severe.”
Squad Depth Helps Arsenal Cope
Regardless of shedding their captain, Arsenal confirmed their power in depth. Martin Zubimendi got here on to switch Ødegaard and began the transfer that led to Declan Rice’s aim.
Even when Rice later went off with a again downside, Arteta was in a position to carry on Mikel Merino and younger expertise Ethan Nwaneri.
Arteta stated:
“It’s not excellent as a result of we had a transparent plan, however the good factor is we are able to usher in different gamers and nonetheless be very efficient.”
Ødegaard’s Powerful Run
Match vs Leeds (23 Aug): Subbed off in thirty eighth min – shoulder harm
Match vs Forest (13 Sep): Subbed off in 18th min – shoulder harm once more
Match vs West Ham (4 Oct): Subbed off in thirtieth min – knee knock
Ødegaard has performed only one full match because the season started – the midweek Champions League win in opposition to Olympiakos.
Wanting Forward
Ødegaard made 45 appearances final season and is generally a key participant for the Gunners. Arsenal followers will probably be hoping the most recent harm will not be severe, and that their captain can return quickly with out breaking extra undesirable data.
