Arsenal release statement on Martin Odegaard injury and make key international break decision

Martin Odegaard has withdrawn from Norway's squad for the international break after suffering a knee injury against West Ham. The midfielder departed the field in the first half and appeared devastated after suffering the issue.

Odegaard was in line to feature in matches against Israel and New Zealand but will now remain with the Gunners during the international break. The former Real Madrid and Real Sociedad playmaker will undergo treatment at Arsenal's training ground after being confirmed to have suffered a 'medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee'.

Arsenal said in a statement: "Martin Odegaard has been withdrawn from the Norway national team for their upcoming matches against Israel and New Zealand after sustaining a medial collateral ligament injury to his left knee during the first half in Saturday’s win over West Ham United.

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"Martin will continue to be assessed and treated by our medical team at Sobha Realty Training Centre during the international window, with the aim of a return to action as soon as possible."

Norway's national team doctor has also confirmed, Odegaard will be treated by his domestic club. The injury means that he will not be ready to play for this training camp," he said.

"We are in close contact with the medical support team at Arsenal, who will be responsible for the treatment going forward."

Norway manager Ståle Solbakken added: "We are of course sorry for this on our own behalf and on Martin's behalf. Fortunately, the clarification regarding this comes so early, gives us plenty of time to prepare those who will play the match on Saturday."

Speaking following Arsenal's win on Saturday, Mikel Arteta admitted his disappointment over losing his captain again. "We haven't had him since the start of the season for one reason or the other, the shoulder twice and then this injury," Arteta said.

"So we have to wait and see the extent of that injury. We will find solutions but obviously our captain is a player who gives us a completely different dimension with the things that he can do, especially in attack. Let's wait and hopefully it's not that bad."

Following the injury, Odegaard became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive Premier League starts. The 26-year-old was also compelled to leave the field early against Newcastle and Manchester City as he dealt with a shoulder problem.

Declan Rice also suffered an injury against West Ham United. The midfielder was struck by a back issue in the second period of the match.

Rice is expected to still join up with England, though Arteta did express some concern. “Well, he’s not alright because he asked me to come off, so that’s a shame,” Arteta said when asked about Rice.

“He had pain in his back and he could not carry on, which is something very unusual for Declan, so we’ll have to assess him and see how he is.”