Odegaard Injury Mars Arsenal’s Return to the Top After Win Over West Ham

Arsenal’s rise to the Premier League summit was overshadowed by fresh injury concerns for captain Martin Odegaard, who limped off during Saturday’s 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.

The Norwegian playmaker set an unwanted record by becoming the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive starts. Odegaard had also been withdrawn early in wins against Leeds and Nottingham Forest due to a lingering shoulder problem.

Having sparkled in Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League triumph over Olympiacos in midweek, the 26-year-old appeared to have put those troubles behind him. But his evening was cut short once again when he collided knee-to-knee with West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville just before the half-hour mark.

“I think he had a clash, knee-to-knee, and immediately he was uncomfortable,” Mikel Arteta said afterwards. “I just spoke to him and he is not positive about it. We have to wait and see the extent of the injury. He was in a knee brace after the match. We will have to find solutions, but obviously he is our captain and gives us a completely different dimension, especially in attack. Let’s hope it’s not that bad.”

Despite the setback, the Gunners manager had reason to smile as his side secured three points and celebrated his 300th game in charge. The victory lifted Arsenal one point clear of Liverpool, whose third straight defeat came earlier in the day at Chelsea.

“I want to thank everybody, especially my coaching staff who have been with me since day one,” Arteta said. “Without them it’s impossible — first of all, to do the job, and secondly, to enjoy it. I wanted to celebrate my 300th match with a win, and I’ve got it. Now we have an international break to enjoy and use the time to prepare, because what’s coming next will be really difficult again.”

Arsenal will hope their captain’s injury is not as serious as feared, with a demanding run of fixtures awaiting after the break as they look to sustain their title charge.