The captain left the pitch in the first half after another awkward fall, raising concerns over a recurring issue that could affect his availability.
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 13: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal runs with the ball from Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on September 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Martin Ødegaard’s afternoon ended in familiar and deeply frustrating fashion as the Arsenal captain was forced off midway through the first half of the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, aggravating the same right shoulder he damaged against Leeds only weeks ago.
The midfielder landed awkwardly after a heavy challenge that initially caught his leg before sending him tumbling. He received treatment on the pitch, attempted to continue, but within minutes was signalling to the bench that he could not carry on.
The recurrence of the injury so soon after the Leeds incident has heightened concern.
At the Emirates in August, Ødegaard had also tried to play through the pain after falling badly on the same shoulder before being withdrawn in the 38th minute.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal is substituted off with an injury for Ethan Nwaneri of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Leeds United at Emirates Stadium on August 23, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Scans then showed no fracture or dislocation, and he returned as a substitute at Anfield against Liverpool and featured in both of Norway’s games during the international break. However, to have the same problem resurface so quickly will trouble both the player and the medical staff.
The similarities are striking: both injuries involved almost identical awkward landings on his right shoulder, both led to curtailed first halves, and both occurred after attempts to carry on proved impossible.
The win over Forest, secured by Martín Zubimendi’s superb volley and looping header along with a tap-in from Victor Gyokeres in a commanding display, offered a reminder of Arsenal’s depth, but Ødegaard’s latest setback is a worry.
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