Arsenal Captain Martin Odegaard Struggles with Form Amid Injury and Illness

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is facing a challenging season, with injuries and illness disrupting his form. The Norwegian midfielder, who was instrumental in Arsenal’s recent campaigns, has managed just one goal and three assists in the 2024-25 season so far. His lone goal came from a penalty in a 5-2 victory over West Ham United in November.

Odegaard’s struggles come after a promising start to the season was derailed by an ankle injury sustained during international duty in September. The injury sidelined him for 12 matches, and a subsequent illness further hampered his return to peak performance. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged the difficulties, stating, “He’s trying very hard, he has had some big chances, missed some opportunities. We just help him and make sure he’s confident enough to take the shots when he needs to.”

Arteta also noted that the absence of Bukayo Saka, who has been out with an injury, has impacted Odegaard’s performance. “It can be an element of that,” Arteta said. “When you have such chemistry with a player and you’re not together, you’re going to notice something different.”

Despite his struggles, Odegaard remains a key figure for Arsenal, particularly as the team prepares for a crucial FA Cup third-round clash against Manchester United. Arteta emphasized the importance of the competition, saying, “It’s a massive part of our history. We’ve won it 14 times, and it’s a beautiful game to play against a massive club.”

Arsenal’s recent form has been inconsistent, with the team scoring one or fewer goals in 13 of their 30 matches this season. Odegaard’s declining output has become a focal point of concern, as the team looks to address its attacking deficiencies. With the January transfer window open, Arsenal fans are hopeful for reinforcements, but Arteta has cautioned that new signings may be difficult to secure.

As Arsenal continues to compete on multiple fronts, Odegaard’s leadership and ability to regain his form will be critical to the team’s success. The upcoming FA Cup match against Manchester United offers an opportunity for redemption, both for the captain and the squad.