The infamous 'FIFA Virus, ' as it is known to the world-the adverse effect of international matches on club teams-just claimed another high-profile victim in the form of Martin Odegaard. The influential Norwegian midfielder, now an integral part of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, picked up an injury during the UEFA Nations League match between Norway and Austria in 2024/25 that left the Spanish coach with his fingers crossed along with the Gunners fans.
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Seriousness of the Situation
With an attacking midfielder like Odegaard, this would leave an injury scene that is really troubling. He was twisting his ankle and, even though the final diagnosis is to be made, the first signs are not promising. Now, during the most crucial period of games, Arsenal will have to do without its captain.
While teams provide an important function in player development and representation, the intensity of these competitions when breaks occur from club level makes one continue to beg the question: how much is too much? The injury to Odegaard fires up debates on players' minutes management and the toll that this takes from the clubs.
Immediate Impact on Arsenal
The absence of Martin Odegaard could be a huge blow to Arsenal. Mikel Arteta is already facing a tough spell of fixtures, and losing his key playmaker just takes the uphill task to another degree of difficulty. The Gunners' midfield was already exposed without the presence of Declan Rice owing to suspension issues and that of Mikel Merino on account of injury, who hasn't debuted for the side yet. Without Odegaard in the team, up steps a whole tactical reshuffle for Arsenal.
Arteta, desperate to get the control of the game through midfield, has to find tangible alternatives. Shifting Leandro Trossard into the middle or deploying Kai Havertz deeper into the midfield are some of the available options.
It's clear that the team that can put together a competitive roster for the upcoming games will have a hard time doing so. With an upcoming North London Derby against Tottenham, followed by a Champions League opener and a head-to-head match with Manchester City, the clock is ticking for Arsenal. The absence of Odegaard could turn out to be just what stands between them and top or a fall-flat result in these crucial matches.
A Pivotal Moment in the Season
Though still early in the season, some warning signs are flashing.Odegaard was the creative engine to Arsenal during the last Premier League season. The numbers tell the story: the captain overshot his expected assist total, and his ability to control the game's tempo in and out of possession is just something the team can't replace.