Arsenal have suffered a major blow after it was confirmed that captain Martin Odegaard will be out for at least six weeks with a knee injury.
The influential midfielder suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in the recent win over West Ham and is expected to miss at least seven important games in all competitions before the next international break.
The injury, which does not require surgery, forced the Norwegian to miss several important matches.
Martin Odegaard misses several important Arsenal games
He will miss the Premier League games against Fulham, Crystal Palace, Burnley and Sunderland.
The biggest concern is the Champions League game, with Odegaard set to miss the home match against Atlético Madrid and the trip to Slavia Prague. He will also miss the League Cup match against Brighton.
His earliest target for a return is the much-anticipated north London derby against Tottenham on November 23, which will put intense pressure on his recovery schedule.
Odegaard’s injury gives Eberechi Eze the chance to wear the number 10 shirt
Their lack of key creative talent now presents a huge opportunity for summer signing Eberechi Eze to cement his place in the starting eleven.
Eze, who took over the club’s number 10 shirt this season, is Odegaard’s natural successor in the attacking midfield role.
Eze, who can also play on the left, has shown glimpses of his incredible dribbling and talent since joining the club, but he has often been rotated.
The Norwegian’s long-term absence will give the former Crystal Palace player the chance to play in his most effective position.
| Position played | Appearance | the goal | assist |
|---|---|---|---|
| attacking midfield | 147 | 35 | twenty two |
| left winger | 53 | 10 | 8 |
| central midfield | 44 | 10 | 3 |
| left midfield | 32 | 8 | 5 |
| right wing | 11 | 3 | 1 |
Ebelesi Eze career statistics showing goal contributions in different positions via Transfermarkt
This series of games has helped Eze win the long-term No. 10 role and prove to Mikel Arteta that he can be a consistent and decisive figure for the Gunners at this crucial time.