Martin Odegaard gives ankle update after Norway's 2-1 defeat by Portugal

Martin Odegaard gave an update on an ankle knock after Norway’s 2-1 loss to Portugal at Ullevaal on Sunday during the international break. He received treatment after the match and spoke to media about the issue.

The injury occurred in stoppage time when Bernardo Silva caught Odegaard as Norway pushed for an equaliser; Silva was booked for the challenge. Odegaard initially stayed on the ground in clear discomfort before carrying on and played the full match, but he was unable to move up for a late Norway corner and remained at the stadium to receive treatment. Stale Solbakken’s side suffered their first home defeat since March 2024; they had beaten Denmark 3-2 in their opening Nations League match.

Asked about the knock and its immediate effect, Odegaard told TV2: "I took a knock on the ankle there, so it probably won’t feel great tonight." He also told Norwegian television that he did not comprehend what the former Manchester City midfielder was doing and that Silva had caught him long after the ball had left. By the time Odegaard spoke following the game, Silva had not offered an apology.

No formal diagnosis had been announced on Sunday night. A clip accompanying coverage carried the caption "🚨Bernardo Silvia kicked Martin Ødegaard after he had already passed the ball," and the post circulated alongside reports of the challenge.

The report noted Odegaard’s knock adds to fitness concerns for Arsenal during the international period. Kai Havertz had already returned early from Germany duty after sustaining a strained muscle in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.

Odegaard said he expects the ankle to improve over the next few days and, when asked whether the problem might prevent him from playing in Norway’s remaining games during the international break, expressed optimism that it wouldn’t be a major issue.