Martin Ødegaard reveals mental toll of Arsenal injury nightmare after return to form

Martin Ødegaard has opened up on the frustration caused by his repeated injury problems last season, admitting the setbacks felt like receiving “so many punches in the face”.

The Arsenal captain still finished the 2025/26 campaign as a Premier League champion, but his individual season was repeatedly interrupted. Ødegaard spent a combined 137 days sidelined and missed 30 matches for club and country.

This season has provided a dramatic contrast, with the 27-year-old scoring four goals in his opening eight appearances as Arsenal begin their title defence.

Ødegaard managed 36 appearances across all competitions last season, recording one goal and eight assists, but struggled to build sustained rhythm.

Shoulder, knee and muscular problems were among a series of issues that repeatedly interrupted his campaign.

Speaking to VG, Ødegaard explained how difficult that became when he felt he was doing everything possible to remain fit.

“When you do everything you can every day to take care of your body, yet still get so many punches in the face, it’s obviously tough,” he said.

The frustration extended beyond football.

“It obviously affects me at home, even though I try to put it aside,” Ødegaard admitted. “It was a tough year personally, with a lot of frustration.”

He joked that his wife is probably happier with him now that those problems have eased.

Ødegaard believes consistent football has been crucial to his improved start this season.

After receiving time off following Arsenal's title-winning campaign, he gradually rebuilt his fitness ahead of the World Cup before playing regularly for Norway during the tournament.

That helped him establish the rhythm that injuries repeatedly denied him last season.

“Since then, I’ve been in good form and playing matches, so things are going better,” he explained.

The difference is already visible in his numbers. Ødegaard has four goals from eight appearances, four times his total across the entirety of last season.

For Arsenal, keeping their captain available could prove particularly important as Mikel Arteta's side attempt to successfully defend their Premier League crown.

Ødegaard will hope his injury problems are now firmly behind him as Arsenal continue their Premier League title defence.

After struggling for rhythm throughout last season, maintaining his fitness and regular playing time could allow the Norwegian to return consistently to his influential best.