Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has been forced to withdraw from Norway national team duty after sustaining a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury to his left knee. The incident occurred during Arsenal's 2-0 victory over West Ham on Saturday, where Odegaard clashed knees with Crysencio Summerville and was substituted in the 30th minute. This marks another significant setback for the 26-year-old skipper in what has already been an injury-hit campaign. He will now remain at the Sobha Realty Training Centre in London Colney for further assessment and treatment by Arsenal's medical team, missing Norway's World Cup qualifier against Israel and a friendly against New Zealand.

This particular substitution against West Ham was notably his third consecutive league start where he was replaced before half-time. Previously, a shoulder issue led to early withdrawals against Leeds United and Nottingham Forest. Despite making important contributions in recent matches, including against Newcastle United and Olympiacos in the Champions League upon returning from earlier injuries, Odegaard has only completed a full 90 minutes twice this season, underscoring the challenges he has faced with his fitness.

Adding to Arsenal's injury concerns, midfielder Declan Rice also picked up a back issue during the West Ham game, being substituted in the 79th minute. However, the 68-cap England international, who scored the opening goal in the London derby, is expected to report for England duty at St George’s Park. He is slated to join the Three Lions ahead of their friendly against Wales and a World Cup qualifier in Latvia, providing a positive update amidst the team's knocks.

Similarly, England captain Harry Kane sustained an ankle injury while playing for Eintracht Frankfurt this weekend. Kane, who made history by scoring his 11th goal in the first six Bundesliga games in a 3-0 victory, was withdrawn with five minutes remaining. Despite the scare, the 32-year-old ex-Tottenham star reassured fans and media, stating, “I’ll be at St George’s Park Monday. I’m OK, just contact on the bone. I had it a few weeks ago in one of the games and it’s just been recovering and I got hit right on the same spot. A few days and it should be fine.” These updates come as Mikel Arteta's side heads into the international break sitting top of the Premier League table.