The seven Arsenal games Martin Odegaard could miss after knee injury update

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is not anticipated to return to action until after the November international break. The Norway international sustained an MCL injury in the Gunners' recent 2-0 victory over West Ham.

He was later forced to withdraw from the national team squad and now there has been some clarity on when he is likely to return.

BBC Sport are reporting that Odegaard is not due back until mid-November and that aligns with what Football.London has been told - that Odegaard is likely to miss between four and six weeks after picking up the injury on October 4.

Should the Norwegian be sidelined for the full six weeks, he would miss seven games. Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday when they visit Fulham before also hosting Atletico Madrid in Champions League action.

The Gunners then host high-flying Crystal Palace before welcoming Brighton to the Emirates in the EFL Cup.

Mikel Arteta's men then make the long journey north to Burnley, followed by a trip to Slavia Prague in the Champions League and another monstrous trip to Sunderland on November 8.

Club football then takes another break for internationals and that is when Norway could seal their place at next summer's World Cup.

They host Estonia before then travelling to Italy, though qualification could already be wrapped up by the time that fixture comes around.

Odegaard will be keen to be involved but equally, he will be reluctant to rush his return to minimise the risk of potential setbacks.

In the meantime, Arsenal remain well-stocked in central areas with Eberechi Eze and Ethan Nwaneri more than capable of covering Odegaard.

Mikel Merino could also partner Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in midfield for the Gunners.

It's a crucial period for Arsenal but they have made a flying start and have only tasted defeat once in all competitions.

They sit top of the pile in the Premier League and have also taken maximum points from their opening two Champions League fixtures.

In the past few days, Odegaard has been back in his homeland of Norway to watch his international colleagues in action against Israel.

After the game, the 26-year-old refused to get involved in the wild dressing-room celebrations in fear he would cause further damage to his knee.

Norway boss Stale Solbakken said after the match : "It wasn't that easy to get into that locker room after the game. He was terrified of sticking his knee into those scenes there!"

Seven Arsenal games Martin Odegaard could miss

Saturday, October 18 - Fulham (a)

Tuesday, October 21 - Atletico Madrid (h)

Sunday, October 26 - Crystal Palace (h)

Wednesday, October 29 - Brighton & Hove Albion (h)

Saturday, November 1 - Burnley (a)

Tuesday, November 4 - Slavia Prague (a)

Saturday, November 8 - Sunderland (a)

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