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Blow to Arsenal as Odegaard misses Norway training after Silva tackle
29th September, 2026 03:41 PM
Martin Odegaard was absent from Norway’s training on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, after suffering an ankle problem during Sunday’s, September 27, 2026, 2-1 defeat by Portugal, leaving his availability for Thursday’s meeting, October 1, 2026 with Wales uncertain.
The Arsenal captain was unhappy after Bernardo Silva caught him with a late challenge from behind during stoppage time. The incident happened after the ball had already been played, with Odegaard appearing to take a blow to his ankle.
Silva received a yellow card for the challenge, while Odegaard later criticised the nature of the tackle, saying it “doesn’t belong on a football pitch”. Norway assistant coach Brede Hangeland also condemned the incident, describing it as “ugly” and an example of “dirty play”.
According to TV2, the knock has kept Odegaard from joining his teammates in training as Norway prepares for the Wales fixture. However, Hangeland insists the midfielder still has time to recover before Thursday’s match.
Hangeland said: “I was in the breakfast room drinking coffee. He was happy. He was in less pain today than yesterday. As I see it, there’s a very long time until the match – two and a half days. A lot can happen in that time.”
Odegaard’s fitness concern adds to Arsenal’s problems during the international break. Kai Havertz has already returned from Germany duty after suffering a muscle strain.
Arteta on Odegaard’s revival at Arsenal
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently explained the revival of his captain in the current campaign. The Arsenal captain scored the decisive goal as the Gunners secured a 1-0 Champions League victory away to Napoli on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, making it four goals in his first five matches across all competitions this season.
His latest strike came just days after he scored the winner against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, September 6, 2026, underlining the Norwegian’s remarkable turnaround after a difficult 2025/26 season.
Odegaard managed just one goal in 36 appearances last season as injuries restricted his involvement. However, he has started the current campaign in considerably better physical condition and is making a greater contribution in attacking areas.
Arteta believes Odegaard’s availability has been fundamental to his improved performances.
“First of all, he needs to be available, and last year he missed so many games through injuries,” said Arteta after the Napoli match.
The Arsenal manager also pointed to the midfielder’s developing understanding with his teammates as another reason behind his improved displays.
“He’s got that edge and different relationships around him as well, and that helps,” said Arteta.
“He can start to go by different heights in the team, especially in the attacking phase, and when we get him into those positions, he’s a really dangerous player.” He added.
