Why isn’t Martin Odegaard playing for Arsenal against Fulham in the Premier League today?
Odegaard is forced to miss Saturday’s crucial Premier League game, just three days before the Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid.


Captain Martin Odegaard has been left out of the Arsenal squad for today’s crucial Premier League game at home to Fulham because of a knee issue.
The Norwegian star played almost an hour of the Gunners’ Champions League semifinal first leg against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday before being replaced by Eberechi Eze.
Although manager Mikel Arteta had hoped Odegaard would be available to face Fulham, speculation he would miss out began swirling online after he was absent from the squad’s pregame walk.
🚨 Captain Martin Ødegaard, not even on the bench for Arsenal against Fulham today. pic.twitter.com/LN6VTEOYmV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 2, 2026
Odegaard’s injury-hit season
The 27-year-old has endured an injury-hit season, missing 24 games in all competitions due to a variety of ailments. The most prominent, however, has been related to his knee, which has caused him to sit out 14 matches, including seven in March.
Arsenal are currently locked in an epic Premier League title battle with Manchester City. The London side will move six points clear with a victory over Fulham, although Pep Guardiola’s side have two games in hand.
Will Odegaard play against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League?
Odegaard’s latest setback is made even more alarming by the fact the second leg of the Champions League tie against Atlético is on Tuesday, May 5, just three days away. As yet, there is no indication as to whether the former Real Madrid midfielder will be available to play.
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