Arsenal Captain Martin Odegaard Expected Back From Knee Injury by December

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard is currently recovering from a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee sustained during a win against West Ham, with manager Mikel Arteta confirming he will be sidelined for several weeks. Ødegaard has shared positive progress updates on social media, posting gym training photos and signaling gradual improvement with an upward trend emoji, though he has not committed to a specific return date due to the unpredictable nature of his recovery. His potential comeback could align with the north London derby against Tottenham on November 23, but the club is taking a cautious approach to prevent any recurrence, with early December also considered a likely timeframe for his return. The injury has been described as a setback given Ødegaard's importance both creatively and emotionally to Arsenal's squad, and his absence poses a challenge as the team faces a busy schedule of domestic and European matches. Ødegaard himself has emphasized the difficulty of setting a firm return date since the injury affects his left leg, critical for passing and shooting, and anticipates more clarity once he resumes training. Arsenal is aiming to maintain consistent performances during his absence, while supporting their captain's steady rehabilitation process.