Martin Ødegaard was forced off in the first half of Arsenal’s clash with Nottingham Forest after appearing to aggravate the same shoulder he had previously injured.
The manner of the fall. a direct blow to the top of the shoulder with his arm pinned against his body is typical of an acromioclavicular (AC) joint injury, and it immediately raised alarm among fans and the medical team.
This setback comes just weeks after Ødegaard first hurt the same shoulder during Arsenal’s game against Leeds United. Despite that knock, he travelled for international duty with Norway, playing two matches before returning to the Emirates.
To now suffer another blow to the same joint is a worrying development, as repeat injuries can often take longer to heal than the original incident.
The likely injury
The mechanism of the fall strongly suggests an AC joint sprain. This is the joint where the collarbone meets the top of the shoulder blade, and it’s particularly vulnerable in contact sports when an arm is forced into the body on impact. These injuries vary in severity, ranging from mild ligament stretching to more significant tearing.
Medical guidance indicates that a low-grade sprain usually settles quickly, sometimes within a week or two, especially if managed with pain control and rehabilitation.
Ødegaard himself returned quickly after his previous shoulder issue, suggesting that his first injury was indeed a mild sprain. However, if scans reveal a grade two sprain, the recovery can stretch into several weeks, while more serious ligament damage could push the absence into over a month.
Why this time is different
The key concern is that this is the same shoulder injured before. A joint that has already been stressed is more vulnerable to re-injury, and the healing process can be slower. Pain levels, range of motion, and shoulder stability will all play a role in determining how quickly he can return.
While mild AC sprains are often a matter of pain tolerance, repeat injuries increase the risk of longer recovery or recurring issues throughout the season.
Next steps for Arsenal
Arsenal’s medical team will arrange scans to confirm the grade of the sprain and rule out any associated damage. In the short term, Ødegaard will likely rest the shoulder, use immobilisation to limit movement, and begin pain management.
From there, the focus will shift to regaining range of motion, rebuilding strength, and testing stability before he can return to training. Only when he is able to withstand physical contact without discomfort will he be cleared for competitive action.
If the scans show a minor sprain, Arsenal could have their captain back in a week or two. But if it proves to be more severe, his absence could stretch into several weeks, potentially impacting Arsenal’s momentum in the early stages of the season. Given his importance to Mikel Arteta’s system, the club will be cautious not to rush him back and risk further aggravation.
