Martin Ødegaardin loukkaantumishuoli helpottaa Arsenalin ja Norjan kapteeni valmiina Liverpoolia vastaan

For a moment, Arsenal fans feared the worst. When Martin Ødegaard went down clutching his shoulder during the 5–0 win over Leeds, the celebrations quickly turned into anxious glances around the Emirates. Their captain, the man who orchestrates everything Arsenal do well, looked vulnerable. Was this the moment their season would slip away just as it was gathering momentum?

Thankfully, the nightmare scenario never came to pass. Ødegaard has been named in Norway’s squad for their upcoming fixtures against Finland and Moldova, confirmation that the knock wasn’t the long-term setback so many had feared. For both Arsenal and Norway, that is very good news.

A Captain Who Can’t Be Replaced

Injuries have already started testing Arsenal’s depth. Kai Havertz is sidelined with a knee issue, and Bukayo Saka picked up a hamstring problem against Leeds. But nobody stirs the same concern as the captain. Ødegaard doesn’t just glide between the lines; he leads. He’s the voice of Mikel Arteta’s vision on the pitch, the player who turns theory into action. Without him, Arsenal not only lose fluency but also an anchor of belief.

That’s why his presence on the Norway squad list reads almost like a message: this isn’t a season-defining absence. He’s still in the fight.

Liverpool Looms Large

Of course, being fit for international duty doesn’t necessarily mean Ødegaard will start this weekend’s massive clash with Liverpool. Arteta faces a difficult call. On one hand, playing his captain gives Arsenal their best chance to control possession and tempo. On the other, risking him too soon could undo his recovery.

If Ødegaard can’t start, the responsibility may fall on players like Declan Rice or Emile Smith Rowe to keep the midfield creative spark alive. They’re talented options, but make no mistake — the rhythm of Arsenal’s play still rests best in the Norwegian’s hands.

Norway Counting On Their Leader Too

The relief isn’t limited to North London. In Oslo, optimism is rising ahead of games against Finland and Moldova. Yes, Erling Haaland might grab the headlines, but the team’s balance depends on Ødegaard just as much. His availability reassures a national side aiming to punch above its weight in the coming international window.

The Bigger Picture for Arsenal’s Season

Arsenal’s ambitions are clear: they want to finally reclaim the Premier League title, something they haven’t touched since 2004. Last season they brought the race to Manchester City longer than most anticipated, but ultimately fell short. To go a step further, they’ll need their captain at peak fitness.

• With Ødegaard, Arsenal flow, dictate matches, and believe they can run with City again.
• Without him, the growing pains of a developing squad are harder to mask.

That’s why this latest update matters so much. Havertz and Saka’s injuries sting, but knowing their leader is still standing keeps hopes high.

The Bottom Line

Arsenal have dodged a potentially season-defining disaster. Ødegaard’s shoulder scare was just that — a scare. He may even play a part against Liverpool, though Arteta will weigh up the risks before making that call. What’s certain is that the Gunners’ dream remains intact, still led by the man who binds together their title ambitions.

For fans, the big question is this: Should Arteta roll the dice on Ødegaard against Liverpool, or protect him for what lies ahead with club and country?