Mikel Arteta provided a worrying update on Martin Odegaard's injury as he also revealed that Declan Rice has suffered a knock. Arsenal were dealt a huge blow on Saturday as Odegaard suffered another injury. The Gunners' captain had to be taken off in the 29th minute in their Premier League encounter against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium. Rice, too, was subbed off in the 80th minute.

Odegaard's misery continues

Odegaard suffered yet another injury after he had to be substituted in the 30th minute, with Martin Zubimendi replacing the Gunners captain. The Norway international became the first player in Premier League history to be withdrawn in the first half of three consecutive league matches. Against Leeds and Nottingham Forest, he was taken off after 38 and 18 minutes, respectively. 

AdvertisementGetty Images Sport'It's not looking very positive'

While providing an update on Odegaard's condition, Arteta said: "With Martin, it was a clash knee to knee. It's not looking very positive at the moment."

The Spaniard further told : "So unlucky again. He went knee to knee and felt straight away something was not right. Let's assess him and see how bad the injury is. He has been very, very unlucky."

Arteta's update on Rice

Declan Rice was called back to the dugout in the 79th minute as Mikel Merino replaced the English star. Arteta later confirmed that Rice was suffering from back pain, so he decided to limit his minutes on the pitch. The Spaniard added, "With Declan, he was struggling with back pain and he asked me to come off. Let's see what the doctor says now and what is best for him."

(C)Getty imagesOdegaard will miss Norway's key World Cup qualifier

Odegaard won't join his national team during the international break and will miss their key World Cup qualifier against Israel on October 11. Norway have won all of their first five group matches and are firm favourites to top the group and qualify for the World Cup next year in North America, Canada and Mexico.