Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard missed Norway's training session on Tuesday due to an ankle injury sustained during the UEFA Nations League match against Portugal on Sunday. Ødegaard was caught by a late challenge from Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva in stoppage time, leaving him in visible discomfort. He was later seen limping as he made his way back to the team bus. The incident has generated considerable discussion, with Norway coach Ståle Solbakken describing it as unnecessary and close to the threshold for a red card.
Ødegaard's condition has shown improvement, with Norway's assistant coach Brede Hangeland stating that the midfielder was experiencing less pain in his ankle on Tuesday than he had the previous day. Hangeland expressed optimism about Ødegaard's chances of recovering in time for Thursday's match against Wales. The midfielder was present at breakfast with the squad and was in good spirits, despite his absence from training. Norway's coaching staff is taking a cautious approach, allowing Ødegaard to determine how much he can do in training based on his ankle's response.
Norway's medical team will continue to assess Ødegaard's ankle before making a final decision on his availability for the Wales match. The team's medical staff is maintaining close communication with Arsenal, Ødegaard's club, to keep them informed about his condition. This is standard practice during international breaks, with medical information and training loads being shared between national teams and clubs. Ødegaard has not been ruled out of the Wales match, and Norway is considering him for the upcoming fixtures.
The late challenge that injured Ødegaard has been widely criticized, with Norway defender Leo Østigård arguing that it warranted stronger punishment. Ødegaard expressed frustration after the incident, questioning why Silva had challenged him so late after he had already played the ball. Silva was booked for the challenge and offered a brief response, saying "It's football, my friend." The incident has sparked debate about the need for greater protection for players.
Ødegaard's availability could be significant for Norway as they prepare for a difficult trip to Cardiff to face Wales. Norway began their Nations League campaign with a 3-2 victory over Denmark but suffered a 2-1 defeat to Portugal. Portugal currently leads the group, and Norway needs to collect points from their remaining fixtures to stay competitive. The match against Wales will be followed by another meeting with Portugal in Porto.
Ødegaard is not the only player Norway has to monitor following the Portugal defeat. Defender Julian Ryerson was also forced off during the match due to further discomfort from an earlier rib problem. Ryerson remains hopeful of recovering in time for the Wales match. Norway coach Solbakken has several fitness issues to consider as he prepares his team for Thursday's encounter. Fredrik Sjøvold, part of the current Norway squad, could make his international debut if Solbakken needs to make changes.
A final decision on Ødegaard's availability for the Wales match is still pending. His absence from training means his fitness cannot yet be taken for granted. Norway's medical staff will continue to monitor his ankle, and Arsenal will remain in close communication with the national team. With more than two days available before the Wales match, Ødegaard still has an opportunity to recover sufficiently to feature.
Key points
- Martin Ødegaard's ankle injury sustained during the UEFA Nations League match against Portugal has put his participation in the upcoming match against Wales in doubt.
- Norway's coaching staff is taking a cautious approach with Ødegaard's recovery, and a final decision on his availability will be made based on his response to treatment and training.
- Ødegaard's injury is not the only concern for Norway, as defender Julian Ryerson is also recovering from a rib problem.
