Martin Ødegaard Shares Positive Update on MCL Ligament Recovery

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard says his MCL recovery is “going really well,” though he hasn’t confirmed an exact return date yet.

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard offered fans a reassuring update on his rehabilitation from the medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury he sustained earlier this month. He confirmed that his recovery continues to progress positively, even though he hasn’t set a firm return date.

The Norwegian midfielder picked up the injury during Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win over West Ham United on October 4 after a knee-on-knee collision forced him off before halftime. Scans later revealed mild ligament damage that did not require surgery, but the setback has sidelined him for several weeks.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

Speaking through his captain’s notes ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid, Ødegaard shared insight into his rehabilitation process:

“I had a few days off after the West Ham game because I couldn’t do much work and had to rest my knee anyway, so I went to Norway. But I’ve been back for a week now and working every day to keep my fitness up as well as trying to heal.”

Despite his progress, Ødegaard acknowledged that the timeline for his return remains uncertain due to the unpredictable nature of ligament injuries.

Arteta Confirms Patience Needed

In line with his captain’s remarks, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Ødegaard will be out for “a few weeks,” but he made it clear that the team will not hasten his recuperation. This marks Ødegaard’s third injury setback of the season after battling shoulder issues earlier in the campaign.

In his absence, Arsenal have had to adjust their midfield structure, with players like Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze taking on added creative responsibilities.

Even while sidelined, Ødegaard continues to play a crucial leadership role behind the scenes—supporting teammates, attending training sessions, and maintaining morale within the squad. His professionalism and commitment have drawn praise from both Arteta and senior players.

As Arsenal continue their push across the Premier League and Champions League, fans are hopeful their captain’s steady recovery will lead to a full return before the end of the year.

Want more Arsenal updates? Visit our homepage.