Martin Ødegaard Eyes November Return for North London Derby

Arsenal fans may soon have reason to celebrate again. Martin Ødegaard, the club’s captain and creative heartbeat, has shared encouraging news about his recovery from a knee injury — just in time for what could be a dream comeback date: the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur in late November.

The Norwegian midfielder, who suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury to his left knee during the win over West Ham, has been out of action for several weeks. Though his absence has been felt, Ødegaard’s latest update suggests his rehabilitation is on track — and his eyes are firmly set on one of Arsenal’s most important fixtures of the season.

Speaking in Arsenal’s matchday program, Ødegaard revealed he’s “progressing a lot” and feeling positive about his recovery. He’s been training on an anti-gravity treadmill, a specialized piece of equipment that allows athletes to run while reducing pressure on the injured leg — a sign he’s moving into the advanced stages of rehab.

“It’s going well and I’m progressing a lot,” Ødegaard said. “I’ve started moving around more and running again. It’s hard work, but it’s nice to feel the progress — it gives you motivation every day.”

While the club has not set a fixed return date, the midfielder is expected to be ready after the November international break, which would line up perfectly for the derby against Spurs on November 23. For Ødegaard, it would be a poetic moment — leading Arsenal into one of the fiercest rivalries in world football after weeks of frustration on the sidelines.

But as much as fans want to see their captain back, Arsenal’s medical team is taking no chances. MCL injuries can be unpredictable, especially when it comes to regaining full strength and confidence in the affected leg. “It’s tricky to set a return date with this kind of injury,” Ødegaard explained. “Sometimes it’s sore when you start passing and shooting again, so we’ll see how it goes when I get back on the pitch.”

As exciting as his potential comeback is, Ødegaard’s recurring injuries have sparked legitimate concern about his long-term durability. Since his arrival at Arsenal, the 26-year-old has suffered a handful of setbacks — from shoulder and knee issues to muscle strains that have interrupted his rhythm just when he seemed ready to hit top form.

This stop-start pattern has affected both his consistency and availability, two qualities vital for any captain leading a title-contending side. When fit, Ødegaard is Arsenal’s engine — the conductor of Mikel Arteta’s attacking orchestra, linking midfield and attack with vision, precision, and leadership. But when he’s sidelined, the team’s creativity can sometimes look disjointed.

His return is particularly crucial given Arsenal’s ambitions this season. The club remains in the race for the Premier League title, and every point counts. Having Ødegaard’s composure and decision-making back in midfield could be the difference between a strong finish and another year of near misses.