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Arsenal star Martin Ødegaard has admitted last season felt like he was continually being punched in the face with injury issues.
The 27-year-old has started this season in fine form for the Gunners, with four goals in eight games to date and a starring role in their strong start to their title defence.
It’s a very different picture to last season, which was a frustrating one despite it ending in a Premier League title.
How the fitness frustration built
Ødegaard managed 36 appearances in all competitions – with one goal and eight assists – but never truly got to his best because of injury issues.
The campaign was punctuated with various injuries for the Norwegian, who suffered from a shoulder injury, knee injury, muscle injury, a ‘knock’, knee problems, a muscle injury and knee problems again.
Combined he spent 137 days out of action and missed 30 games for club and country across the 2025/26 season. That took its toll, particularly from a mental point of view.
“Compared to last year – which was a very peculiar season with numerous injuries and various other issues – things are different now,” he told VG.
“When you do everything, you can every day to take care of your body, yet still get so many punches in the face, it’s obviously tough.”
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Statistic 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 so far
Appearances 30 24 5
Starts 26 16 5
Minutes played 2,324 1,369 377
Goals 3 1 2
Assists 8 6 0
Goals + assists 11 7 2
Minutes per goal 775 1,369 189
Chances created 63 38 12
World Cup helped
It’s not just the player who suffers either. He admits that he’s not the best to be around at home either.
“It obviously affects me at home, even though I try to put it aside. It was a tough year personally, with a lot of frustration,” he added. “I imagine she’s (his wife) happier these days, yes.”
So, what has changed this season? According to Ødegaard, the primary reason is that he has regained his rhythm and is playing regularly again. Playing at the World Cup with Norway helped on that front too.
“I had some time off after the season, then went through the pre-World Cup build-up, easing my way back into match fitness. Since then, I’ve been in good form and playing matches, so things are going better,” he concluded.
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