Arsenal receive Martin Odegaard injury update after Norway scare

Martin Odegaard is a doubt for Norway's game against Wales on Thursday after missing training on Tuesday with an ankle injury sustained against Portugal. Arsenal are being kept fully informed, while assistant coach Brede Hangeland says the midfielder has less pain.

  • Player: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal & Norway)
  • Injury: Ankle problem picked up late in Norway vs Portugal on Sunday
  • Next match: Norway vs Wales, Thursday
  • Second match: Portugal vs Norway, Porto, Sunday
  • Current status: Missed training on Tuesday, doubt for both games
  • Arsenal contact: Norway and Arsenal in almost continuous communication, says Stale Solbakken

What was said

"The medical sector reports what has happened, and now it is the case that every metre you run here, and all training and everything you have done, is sent to the club."

— Stale Solbakken, Norway manager, on communication with Arsenal

"The medical contact is almost continuous. It's standard procedure. I don't interfere with that. There are four or five people for that, so they have to manage that."

— Stale Solbakken, Norway manager, on the process

"Martin was in the breakfast room, he was happy and he had less pain in his ankle than yesterday. It's a long time until the next game, it's a full two and a half days. A lot can happen in that time. Martin will be allowed to do what he wants in training today with regard to his ankle, and I'm glad it's much better than yesterday."

— Brede Hangeland, Norway assistant coach, on Odegaard's condition on Tuesday

Solbakken's comments show the level of detail clubs now demand during international windows. Every session, every stride and every medical note on Odegaard is relayed to Arsenal, removing any guesswork from the club's side.

Hangeland's update offers genuine encouragement. Less pain on Tuesday, combined with a full two and a half days before the Wales match, leaves the door open for Odegaard to feature. But the fact he could not complete full training earlier in the week underlines that the ankle is still a real issue.

Injury and availability

  • Martin Odegaard: Ankle injury, picked up late against Portugal after a challenge by Bernardo Silva. Missed training Tuesday. Doubt for Norway vs Wales and Portugal vs Norway.
  • Kai Havertz: Already returned to Arsenal early with a hamstring issue.
  • Ezri Konsa: Missed England training with what was described as a minor problem.

Why Arsenal are right to be concerned about Odegaard

Martin Odegaard is the heartbeat of Arsenal's midfield and any absence is felt immediately. The Gunners have already seen Kai Havertz return from international duty with a hamstring problem, and now their captain is nursing an ankle issue that could disrupt preparations for the next Premier League fixture.

Norway's medical staff are monitoring Odegaard daily, and the decision to let him dictate his own training load on Tuesday is a sensible compromise. But Arsenal will want clarity before he is risked in a competitive international. A half-fit Odegaard helps nobody, least of all a club that relies on his availability for the rhythm of its build-up play.

With Havertz already out and Konsa a minor concern for England, this break has become a damage-limitation exercise for Arsenal. The club's medical team will be in constant dialogue with Norway, and the next 48 hours will determine whether Odegaard returns to London early or stays with the national squad.

Talking points

  • Should Norway risk Odegaard against Wales if he is not fully fit, or protect him for the Portugal match in Porto?
  • Arsenal's constant communication with Norway is standard, but does it put club interests ahead of national team needs?
  • With Havertz already injured, can Arsenal afford to lose Odegaard for any Premier League minutes?
  • Bernardo Silva's challenge was described by Odegaard as something that "doesn't belong on a football field" – was it reckless or just competitive?

What happens next

Norway face Wales on Thursday, then travel to Porto to play Portugal on Sunday. Odegaard's availability for both games will be decided after further assessment. Arsenal will continue to receive daily medical updates. The next concrete decision is whether Odegaard trains fully on Wednesday, which would clear him to feature against Wales.

Frequently asked questions

Is Martin Odegaard playing for Norway vs Wales?

It is not yet decided. He missed training on Tuesday with an ankle injury and remains a doubt for Thursday's match. A final call will be made after further assessment.

What injury does Martin Odegaard have?

An ankle problem picked up late in Norway's game against Portugal on Sunday after a challenge from Bernardo Silva. He left the stadium limping.

Will Arsenal be informed about Odegaard's fitness?

Yes. Norway manager Stale Solbakken confirmed that all training and medical information is sent to Arsenal and that contact between the two medical teams is almost continuous.

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