Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has become the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive Premier League starts.
Odegaard made a return to Arsenal’s starting lineup in their clash against West Ham following a series of impressive performances off the bench. However, the Norway international had to be replaced by Martin Zubimendi in the 20th minute.
The former Real Madrid star whose season has been plagued by shoulder issues, and now a knee injury tried to play on but couldn’t.
Odegaard subsequently set an unwanted record as he became the first player in Premier League history to be substituted before half-time in three consecutive league starts, according to stats experts Opta.
Martin Odegaard looks dejected as he leaves the pitch injured during the Arsenal’s Premier League match against West Ham United. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
However, despite Odegaard’s early exit, Arsenal ran out 2-0 winners against the Hammers. Declan Rice broke the deadlock before Bukayo Saka scored from the penalty spot.
Arteta, though, cut a downbeat figure when quizzed on Odegaard’s fitness post-match. He said: “I think he had a clash, knee-to-knee and immediately he was uncomfortable. I just spoke to him and he is not positive about it.
“He has got a brace on. We will have to wait from the doctors but we have been very unlucky with that. Yeah we haven’t had him since the start for one reason or another. The shoulder twice and then this injury.
“We have to wait and see the extent of the injury. We will have to find solutions but obviously he’s our captain and is a player that gives us a completely different dimension with things that he can do, especially in the attack. Let’s wait and hopefully it is not that bad.”
