Arteta’s unlucky captain – how Odegaard set unwanted record

Things don’t look so good for Martin Odegaard once more just three days after his “phenomenal” performance against Olympiakos in the Champions League.

The Arsenal captain became the first player to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts with the 2-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday. He had to be substituted after only 30 minutes to make history.

The 26-year-old Norwegian’s first frustrating start to the season is just getting started with victories against Leeds and Nottingham Forest.

Those times were caused by a persistent shoulder problem. After being chosen by manager Mikel Arteta for an attacking team, he had to be withdrawn this time because he “knee-to-knee” with West Ham forward Crysencio Summerville.

After the game, Arteta said, “I just spoke to him.” He doesn’t think it matters, he says. He has a brace on. Although we won’t be very lucky with that either, we will have to wait and see what the doctors will say.

For whatever reason, we haven’t had him since the start of the season. The shoulder twice before the injury.

“We’ll have to wait and see how much of that injury is coming, and we’ll find solutions,” he said. “Obviously, he’s our captain and has a player who gives us a completely different perspective with what he can do, particularly in the attacking role.

Let’s wait, and I’m hoping it’s not so bad.

Arsenal 5-0 Leeds (23 August)

Odegaard was forced to be withdrawn 38 minutes into their second game against Leeds after landing awkwardly on his shoulder in the opening game of the campaign against Manchester United, having played 90 minutes.

Arteta said it was difficult to determine the severity of the injury right away after playing full-time and that he would need to have his scan taken.

Nottingham Forest 3-0 at Arsenal on September 13th.

Eight days later, Odegaard returned to the squad for the team’s 1-0 defeat at Liverpool, starting both of Norway’s matches during the international break in September.

He was back in the starting XI for the Gunners against Nottingham Forest on September 13 but had to come off once more in the 18th minute, with Arteta later confirming that the injury was a result of his shoulder issue.

West Ham 2-0 at Arsenal on October 4th.

Odegaard missed Arsenal’s final three games before making a late substitution for the team against Newcastle on September 28 and then playing the full match against Olympiacos on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Odegaard is typically Arteta’s go-to man because he made 45 appearances for Arsenal in total last season.

The title challenge fell apart in 2024 and 2025 due to injuries, with Odegaard himself having a time out with an ankle issue.

However, north London’s seasons are different this time.

Eight new players were brought in by the Gunners during the summer transfer window, and that squad depth has already been a significant factor in their impressive campaign debut.

Declan Rice scored the opening goal thanks to Arteta’s ability to call on £60 million Martin Zubimendi to replace Odegaard.

Rice also suffered a back injury, but Arteta was able to add Mikel Merino and Ethan Nwaneri, both of whom performed exceptionally well.

The manager of Arsenal has already stated that the “finishers could be more important than the starting players this season,” but he will hope that due to injury issues he won’t have to rejoin his squad.