Mikel Arteta gives Martin Odegaard update after Arsenal captain appears to suffer injury against Nottingham Forest

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Mikel Arteta gave fans an update on Martin Odegaard's fitness after the Arsenal captain appeared to suffer another injury against Nottingham Forest. The Norway international was also forced to withdraw from the pitch during Arsenal's 5-0 triumph over Leeds earlier in the season. The Gunners will play their first UEFA Champions League match of the campaign when they travel to Bilbao on Tuesday.

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Mikel Arteta insisted that Martin Odegaard would do everything he can to be ready for Arsenal's first UEFA Champions League clash of the season against Athletic Club on Tuesday.

Odegaard was substituted in the first half of Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest after appearing to suffer another injury setback.

The Gunners midfielder started the Premier League fixture having featured in both of Norway’s matches during the international break, but he was forced off the pitch in the 18th minute.

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Odegaard appeared to land awkwardly on his shoulder following a collision on the edge of the box with Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White in the eighth minute.

The 26-year-old initially tried to remain on the pitch, but he was eventually replaced by Arsenal team-mate Ethan Nwaneri.

"I think it is the same shoulder that he hurt last time," Arteta said during his post-match press conference. "He was too uncomfortable to continue.

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"So that is a shame because he played with his national team.

"He was feeling good, and then something happened again.

"He is going to do everything to be ready for Tuesday, I guarantee you that, but I don’t know [if he will be ready]."

This was not the first time that Odegaard was forced off the pitch due to injury during the 2025/2026 campaign.

The Arsenal skipper also suffered an injury during his side’s 5-0 triumph over Leeds United in August.

Odegaard limped off the pitch in the first half of the match at The Emirates and started his side’s clash with Liverpool on the bench as a result.

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He was also a part of Arsenal’s injury crisis last term, missing seven Premier League fixtures in a row between September and November 2024 due to an ankle sprain.

Odegaard started Norway’s 1-0 win over Finland before helping his side take a huge step towards FIFA World Cup qualification with a goal in their emphatic 11-1 triumph over Moldova.

Arsenal cruised to victory against Forest despite Odegaard’s injury.

Martin Zubimendi gave his side the lead with a splendid volley in the 32nd minute.

Then, after half-time, two of Arsenal’s summer signings linked up to double the home side’s lead.

Eberechi Eze picked out Viktor Gyokeres in the centre of the box, and the former Sporting CP striker made no mistake.

Zubimendi scored a second with 11 minutes remaining to wrap up the win and keep all three points in North London.

Arsenal enjoyed an impressive start to the season, beating Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford before their victory over Leeds at The Emirates.

However, their title hopes suffered a blow when they suffered a 1-0 defeat against Liverpool at Anfield in their final game before the international break.

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