Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has given an update on his ankle after a late challenge during Norway's 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal.
Martin Odegaard hopes the ankle problem he suffered during Norway's defeat to Portugal will settle over the next few days after receiving treatment following the game.
The Arsenal captain was caught by Bernardo Silva in stoppage time at Ullevaal as Norway chased an equaliser in their 2-1 defeat. Silva was booked for the challenge, but Odegaard intially stayed down in visible discomfort before eventually finishing the match.
Odegaard was unable to make his way forward for a late Norway corner and remained at the stadium receiving treatment after the final whistle.
Asked whether he was concerned the problem could keep him out of Norway's remaining matches during the international break, Odegaard was hopeful it would not prove serious.
"I took a knock on the ankle there, so it probably won't feel great tonight." Odegaard told TV2.
There was considerably more frustration from the Arsenal captain when asked about the challenge itself.
Odegaard told the Norwegian broadcaster that Silva had caught him long after the ball had gone and said he did not understand what the former Manchester City midfielder was doing. Silva had not apologised by the time Odegaard spoke after the match.
"It doesn't belong on a football pitch, It's a shame that people do that." Odegaard added.
The incident came at the end of a frustrating night for Norway. They had gone into the game after beating Denmark 3-2 in their Nations League opener, but Portugal left Oslo with all three points to hand Stale Solbakken's side their first home defeat since March 2024.
Odegaard played the full game and was caught deep in his own half when Silva challenged him. His reaction afterwards focused as much on the nature of the challenge as on the ankle itself, although no diagnosis was given Sunday night.
Odegaard's knock adds another fitness concern for Arsenal during the international break. Kai Havertz has already returned early from Germany duty after suffering a muscle strain in the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on Thursday. The German FA confirmed the injury after examinations later that evening, but has not given a recovery timescale.
Havertz was forced off after 30 minutes, while Odegaard was able to finish Norway's defeat despite requiring treatment afterwards.
Arsenal will now wait to see how the captain responds over the next few days. He expected the ankle to settle quickly, with Norway still having two more fixtures to play before he is due back in North London.
