Following confirmation of an MCL injury to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who will Mikel Arteta select as the Norwegian’s replacement in the starting lineup?
Martin Odegaard Suffers MCL Injury
Arsenal have confirmed that club captain Martin Odegaard suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in his left knee during their 2-0 win over West Ham on Saturday afternoon.
The 26-year-old went down after a heavy knee-to-knee collision in the first half.
Despite attempting to continue, the Norwegian was withdrawn at the 28-minute mark.
In doing so, he became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts.
The Gunners confirmed Odegaard’s injury and subsequent withdrawal from the Norway squad for their friendlies against Israel and New Zealand in a club statement on Sunday afternoon.
It read: “Martin Odegaard has been withdrawn from the Norway national team for their upcoming matches against Israel and New Zealand after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee during the first half in Saturdayâs win over West Ham United.
“Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team at Sobha Realty Training Centre during the international window, with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible.”
A medical update on Martin Odegaard đ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 5, 2025
An MCL injury can keep a player out for anywhere between three weeks and three months.
The severity of Odegaard’s injury is unknown at this moment in time. Therefore, an accurate timeline on his return to action cannot be confirmed until a clearer prognosis is made.
Who Will Mikel Arteta Earmark as Arsenal’s Odegaard Replacement?
Eberechi Eze
One option available to Mikel Arteta is moving Eberechi Eze to a more central role.
The England international has mainly featured on the left side of Arsenal’s attack since arriving from Crystal Palace in the summer, however he is more than capable of playing centrally.
This was proven throughout his five-year spell at Selhurst Park, as he mainly played as a central attacking midfielder. Last term, he totalled 14 goals and 11 assists playing in the position.
In order to supplement this move, Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard would likely replace Eze on the left-hand side of the Gunners’ front line.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up if Odegaard is replaced by Eze:
Ethan Nwaneri
Another option for Arteta is to draft Hale End youngster Ethan Nwaneri into the lineup.
Although still raw, his talent and potential are simply undeniable.
When Odegaard suffered a knee injury against Leeds in Arsenal’s first home game of the campaign, Arteta turned to Nwaneri. Could we see a similar scenario play out here?
The left-footed playmaker has the ability to play as an attacking midfielder, as well as in Odegaard’s right-sided number eight role. Additionally, he is able to play on the right wing.
Nwaneri netted his first Premier League goal for Arsenal last term, and ended the campaign with an impressive tally of nine goals and two assists across all competitions.
He has found minutes hard to come by this season though, having made just one start.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up if Odegaard is replaced by Nwaneri:
Mikel Merino
Finally, Arteta may decide to bring Mikel Merino back into the lineup.
The former Real Sociedad star deputised as a striker on several occasions last term and ended the campaign with nine goals and five assists in 44 appearances across all competitions.
He was selected as Odegaard’s replacement in four successive matches earlier in the campaign when the Norwegian was ruled out a shoulder issue, fielded alongside Declan Rice.
Martin Zubimendi sat behind the pair as Arteta’s defensive midfielder.
Merino and Rice’s partnership may be rekindled following Odegaard’s latest injury, especially in matches where they’ll require further defensive stability.
Here’s how Arsenal could line up if Odegaard is replaced by Merino:
