Odegaard’s Injury Woes have returned to plague Arsenal, casting a shadow over their upcoming Champions League and Premier League fixtures. The Gunners’ captain, Martin Odegaard, suffered a recurrence of a right shoulder injury during their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Emirates Stadium, according to reports from multiple sources including The Independent and Mirror Online. This setback adds to Arsenal’s growing injury list and raises concerns about their title aspirations.
The Injury Incident
The unfortunate incident unfolded in the 16th minute of the match. Odegaard, 26, sustained the injury when he landed awkwardly on his right shoulder following a challenge involving teammate Jurrien Timber and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. Despite his attempts to play on, Odegaard was visibly struggling with discomfort. As reported by Sports Mole, the Arsenal medical staff quickly assessed the situation, leading to his substitution in the 18th minute, replaced by Ethan Nwaneri.
Recurrence of an Old Problem
This latest injury is a recurrence of a previous shoulder issue. Odegaard initially injured the same shoulder on August 23, 2025, during Arsenal’s dominant 5-0 victory against Leeds United. Goal.com reported that after the initial injury, Odegaard made a swift return, featuring as a substitute in the subsequent defeat to Liverpool. He also played for Norway during the international break, even finding the net in their resounding 11-1 victory over Moldova.
Arteta’s Concerns
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his disappointment regarding Odegaard’s injury. He confirmed that the latest issue was to the “same shoulder” that had troubled the player earlier in the season. According to football.london, Arteta stated that Odegaard had been feeling good after his international duties, making the recurrence even more frustrating for the team and the player. Arteta now faces a selection headache as he navigates a congested fixture list with several key players unavailable.
Impact on Arsenal’s Fixtures
The timing of Odegaard’s injury could not be worse for Arsenal. He is now a major doubt for their crucial upcoming matches. These include their Champions League opener against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday and a pivotal Premier League showdown against rivals Manchester City on Sunday, September 21, as noted by NBC Sports. The potential absence of their captain and influential midfielder significantly weakens Arsenal’s squad, especially considering their already mounting injury concerns.
Growing Injury List
Odegaard’s injury exacerbates Arsenal’s existing injury woes. Other key players, including Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba, are currently sidelined. The absence of these key players presents a significant challenge for Arteta as he aims to maintain consistency and secure positive results across all competitions. The depth of the squad will be tested as Arsenal seeks to overcome these setbacks and remain competitive in the title race.
Title Race Implications
The loss of Odegaard, coupled with other injuries, is a significant blow to Arsenal’s ambitions in the Premier League title race. With Liverpool also in contention, every point becomes crucial. Odegaard’s creativity, leadership, and work rate are vital components of Arsenal’s midfield, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt. The team must find a way to compensate for his absence and maintain their performance levels if they are to remain serious contenders for the title.
Arsenal’s Shoulder Concerns
This isn’t the first time Arsenal has had shoulder injury concerns. Players are susceptible to these types of injuries due to the physical nature of the game. Arsenal’s medical team will be working hard to ensure Odegaard receives the best possible treatment and rehabilitation to facilitate a swift return to action. The club will be hoping that he can recover quickly and regain his fitness to contribute to the team’s success.
In conclusion, Martin Odegaard’s recurring shoulder injury presents a significant challenge for Arsenal. With crucial fixtures on the horizon and a growing injury list, the Gunners face a tough test of their squad depth and resilience. The team’s ability to overcome these setbacks will be crucial in determining their success in both the Champions League and the Premier League title race.
