Martin Odegaard has opened up on just how difficult Arsenal’s title-winning 2025/26 season became as repeated injuries prevented the captain from finding his usual rhythm.
The 27-year-old has responded emphatically this season, establishing himself at the heart of Mikel Arteta’s side again after a superb start to the campaign.
Read Arsenal recently examined the numbers behind Odegaard’s return to his best, but the midfielder has now explained the personal frustration behind last season’s struggles.
Speaking to Norwegian outlet VG, Odegaard described 2025/26 as an unusual campaign dominated by physical setbacks.
Odegaard admits Arsenal injuries took their toll
Odegaard still lifted the Premier League trophy in May, but injuries repeatedly disrupted his season.
VG reports that the Arsenal captain endured seven separate injury interruptions as shoulder, knee and muscular problems prevented him from building sustained momentum.
Discussing the frustration of doing everything possible to stay available only to suffer further setbacks, Odegaard said it felt like receiving repeated “punches in the face”.
The difficulties did not simply disappear when he left the training ground.
Odegaard admitted the situation affected him at home despite his attempts to separate football from his personal life, describing last season as a difficult and frustrating period.
That provides useful context to the dramatic difference Arsenal have seen from their captain this term.
Martin Odegaard has rediscovered his Arsenal rhythm
Odegaard believes consistency has been central to his improvement.
After receiving some recovery time following the end of Arsenal’s season, he gradually built his fitness ahead of the World Cup and has since been able to play regularly without the repeated interruptions that defined the previous campaign.
The results have been clear.
Odegaard has already scored four times in eight Arsenal appearances this season after managing only one goal across 36 matches in all competitions last term.
His influence extends beyond the goals.
Against Napoli, the midfielder registered 120 touches, created six chances and played five line-breaking passes before scoring Arsenal’s winner.
That followed another decisive performance in the 2-1 Premier League victory over Chelsea.
Arsenal will watch Odegaard’s Norway workload closely
The immediate priority for Arsenal is keeping that momentum intact throughout the international break.
Odegaard captains Norway against Denmark at Ullevaal Stadion on Thursday night before further Nations League fixtures against Portugal, Wales and Portugal again.
The Norwegian Football Federation confirms Norway begin against Denmark at 20:45.
His international minutes are therefore among the most important for Arsenal to monitor.
Our Arsenal international break tracker will follow Odegaard and the other Gunners away with their countries.
After the physical frustration of last season, Arsenal finally have their captain fit, influential and playing consistently again.
Keeping him that way now matters just as much as his outstanding start.
