Arsenal handed positive injury update as Norway clarifiy Martin Odegaard’s ankle status

Arsenal have been handed a significant injury boost after scan results revealed no major structural damage to Martin Odegaard’s ankle. The Gunners captain sustained the scare during the closing stages of Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal on Sunday evening.

A ferocious late challenge from former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva left the playmaker on the ground in pain and sparked immediate concern in north London.

The incident compounded a frustrating international window for Mikel Arteta’s side, who are already grappling with the loss of first-choice striker Kai Havertz to a hamstring problem.

However, medical evaluations conducted by the Norwegian national team setup have provided profound relief to both the club and the country.

Scans clear Captain as recovery continues

Norway assistant coach Brede Hangeland moved quickly to quell any panic among supporters, confirming that national team doctor Ola Sand had thoroughly reviewed the situation.

The initial X-rays and scans delivered encouraging news, providing Arsenal’s medical staff with much-needed clarity.

“Ola Sand has that under control. As far as I understood, there was nothing dramatic in those images,” Hangeland explained to the media. “The most important thing is that the guy is feeling better. The images show a snapshot while he is still recovering. And the progress is positive.”

Despite missing Tuesday’s training session alongside another key teammate, Odegaard’s mood in camp remains upbeat.

Hangeland noted that the 27-year-old midfielder appeared in good spirits during breakfast, visibly less hindered by pain than in the immediate aftermath of the match.

“Martin was in the breakfast room; he was happy, and he had less pain in his ankle than yesterday,” Hangeland added. “It is a long time until the next match. It is a full two and a half days. A lot can happen in that time.”

Cautious approach ahead of Wales clash as squad dismisses revenge talk

Manager Stale Solbakken has insisted that Norway will adopt a strictly cautious approach, ensuring zero unnecessary risks are taken with their talisman. Open lines of communication remain active between the Norwegian medical team and Arsenal’s backroom staff, ensuring full transparency regarding player loads and recovery milestones.

While Odegaard technically remains in contention to face Wales in Cardiff, both parties will weigh his long-term fitness carefully before a final decision is reached.

The physical nature of Sunday’s clash in Oslo left lingering frustrations, particularly surrounding Silva’s needless challenge as Portugal looked to protect their lead. Yet, inside the Norwegian dressing room, cooler heads have prevailed regarding any notions of retaliation.

Read More: What Swedish media have said about Viktor Gyökeres after impressive display vs Poland

Defender Torbjorn Heggem firmly dismissed the idea of seeking retribution when the two sides meet again later in the campaign.

“At least it’s not something you can say outwardly [that you’re going to get Bernardo back],” Heggem stated. “I haven’t thought much about it. It was a bad tackle, and of course we want to support our captain, but a revenge tackle is rarely something you resort to.”

For now, Arsenal supporters will monitor developments closely as Norway navigate their remaining fixtures before their captain returns to club duties.