Martin Odegaard limped off after just half an hour yet again against West Ham on Saturday afternoon, reaching an unwanted milestone and dealing a major blow to boss Mikel Arteta in the process.
The Norwegian midfielder's knee problem forced Mikel Arteta to replace him with Martin Zubimendi.
The 26-year-old initially attempted to continue after receiving medical attention but eventually succumbed to the injury.
His premature substitution marks yet another fitness setback in what has become a frustrating campaign for the Gunners' influential playmaker.
Martin Odegaard limped off after just half an hour yet again against West Ham on Saturday afternoon, reaching an unwanted milestone and dealing a major blow to boss Mikel Arteta in the process
|REUTERS
This latest blow compounds Arsenal's mounting injury concerns, with several key players already sidelined as the team battles on multiple domestic and European fronts this season.
The incident occurred during a challenge with West Ham's Crysencio Summerville, where Odegaard's knee made contact with the winger's leg whilst trying to win back possession.
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Martin Odegaard looked devastated when leaving the field
|REUTERS
Despite initially receiving treatment and attempting to play through the discomfort, the Norwegian was unable to continue.
His visible frustration was evident as he sat on the pitch awaiting medical attention, covering his face with his shirt whilst leaving the field.
The midfielder appeared to recognise immediately that his afternoon was ending early once again.
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Arteta offered a sympathetic gesture as the pair crossed paths on the touchline, acknowledging his captain's latest misfortune in an injury-disrupted campaign.
The Norway international's latest setback adds to Arsenal's extensive casualty list, with Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke, Gabriel Jesus and Piero Hincapie already receiving treatment.
Odegaard has now etched his name into the Premier League record books for all the wrong reasons.
The Arsenal captain has become the first player in the competition's history to be taken off before the interval in three successive starts.
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It marks the third consecutive time Martin Odegaard has been a first-half substitute
|REUTERS
His previous early substitutions came against Leeds United on 23 August, when a shoulder problem forced him off after 38 minutes.
That same shoulder issue struck again during the Nottingham Forest match on September 13, ending his involvement after just 18 minutes.
Saturday's 30-minute exit against the Hammers completed an unprecedented and unwelcome hat-trick of premature substitutions.
The West Ham clash marked Odegaard's first Premier League start since the Forest game, having made substitute appearances against Newcastle and in midweek Champions League action versus Olympiacos.
The upcoming international break offers some respite for recovery ahead of Arsenal's return to action on October 18.
Despite the setback, Declan Rice's first-half strike and Bukayo Saka's penalty secured the three points for the home side.
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