Arsenal
Arsenal fans are waiting for a fresh injury update on Martin Odegaard, with the latest news awaited after a heated night in Oslo. Bernardo Silva’s late challenge left Norway’s captain struggling out of the ground on a limp.
A late challenge turns Norway’s loss into a flashpoint
As reported by The Athletic, the moment arrived in stoppage time of Norway’s 2-1 defeat by Portugal at Ullevaal Stadium. Odegaard won possession deep in his own half and picked out Andreas Schjelderup. Silva, a late substitute, then clipped the Arsenal midfielder on the ankle once the pass had already been played. The former Manchester City man, who moved to Real Madrid in the summer, seemed unbothered afterwards. Odegaard was visibly furious and appeared to swear at Silva when the two players came face to face. He played the full match but could not go forward for Norway’s late corner, struggling with the ankle.
Goncalo Ramos and Joao Felix netted before and after Erling Haaland’s equaliser, which arrived in the 51st minute. The result kept Portugal perfect in this year’s Nations League after they beat Wales 1-0 in their opening game. They now lead Group A4 and will travel to Copenhagen to face Denmark on Thursday 1 October.
Odegaard’s 2026/27 stats at Arsenal so far, as per FOTMOB:
Competition Appearances Goals Assists Chances created Defensive contributions
Premier League 5 2 0 12 23
UCL 1 1 0 6 1
EFL Cup 1 0 0 – –
Martin Odegaard speaks out as Ostigard backs his captain
Odegaard told TV2 that Silva struck him well after the ball had already gone. He argued the tackle had no place on a football pitch and conceded his ankle was hurt by the contact. Asked what he told Silva, he replied that it was not suitable for television. The Arsenal captain sounded hopeful and said he was betting on being fine within a few days. Even so, no diagnosis has been given yet. The pictures of him limping through the mixed zone worried many Arsenal and Norway supporters.
Defender Leo Ostigard shared that frustration and told reporters the tackle was very late and ugly. To him it seemed fairly intentional, and he thought the referee could have shown a red. Ostigard added that opponents will always target Martin Odegaard because he gets on the ball so often in midfield. Silva showed little sympathy in the mixed zone and simply replied,“It’s football, my friend.”
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Arsenal wait for news on Odegaard’s ankle
Arsenal have cause for concern, as Odegaard missed 12 games with ankle ligament damage on Norway duty in 2024. In our view, losing him would hurt Arsenal’s Premier League season, as they rely on his passing. Arsenal host Leeds on Saturday 10 October, which gives the club time to assess him.
Tactically, the challenge came just as Odegaard started Norway’s final push for an equaliser from deep. Norway lean on him to launch attacks, so his absence would change how they build play. Silva’s contact came after the pass, so it stopped nothing and only left Odegaard hobbling as Norway pushed forward. Norway now have three points from two games, after beating Denmark 3-2 and losing to Portugal.
Norway visit Wales on Thursday 1 October, and Odegaard has not withdrawn, which suggests he may play. A scan will likely be needed once the swelling settles to show how serious the damage is. Coach Stale Solbakken also faces Portugal again, so he will want his captain fit for both games. How the ankle reacts to training before Thursday will show whether this was a scare or an injury.