Arsenal Concerned as Martin Ødegaard Receives Treatment After Ankle Injury
Arsenal are facing fresh concerns over Martin Ødegaard after the midfielder suffered an ankle problem during Norway’s 2-1 Nations League defeat to Portugal on Sunday.
The 27-year-old has already endured an injury-hit period in recent seasons, making his latest setback particularly worrying for both Arsenal and Norway.
Ødegaard had enjoyed a much better start to the current campaign, featuring in every Arsenal match so far. He had also impressed for Norway, providing two assists during their 3-2 victory over Denmark last week.
However, he completed the full 90 minutes against Portugal before appearing to pick up an ankle injury after being caught by Bernardo Silva.
Concern grows over Ødegaard’s condition
According to reports from Norwegian outlet TV2, Ødegaard remained inside the stadium receiving treatment for an extended period after the match.
He eventually left around 12:03am local time, roughly 90 minutes after the final whistle.
Unlike his usual routine of speaking to the media in the mixed zone, the Arsenal captain reportedly avoided the area and headed straight towards the team bus.
His lengthy treatment and the manner in which he left the stadium have reportedly raised concerns about the seriousness of the injury.
Speaking briefly before leaving, Ødegaard admitted that he had taken a knock to his ankle.
“I hope not, but I took a knock to my ankle there, so it’s certainly not going to feel great tonight,” the Arsenal midfielder said when asked whether the injury could keep him out of Norway’s upcoming matches.
Ødegaard unhappy with Bernardo Silva incident
The incident also sparked frustration between Ødegaard and Bernardo Silva.
When asked about the challenge, Silva appeared to play down the incident, saying: “What tackle? That’s football, my friend.”
Ødegaard, however, clearly felt differently and explained his version of events after the match.
“He just kicked me down long after I’d played the ball away. I don’t understand what he’s doing,” the Arsenal captain said.
Asked whether Silva’s previous Manchester City connection had played any role in the incident, Ødegaard replied that only the Portuguese midfielder could explain his actions.
He also claimed that the challenge had no place on a football pitch and revealed that Silva had not apologised to him.
For Arsenal, the main concern now will be the extent of Ødegaard’s ankle problem. After struggling with several injuries last season, the midfielder will be hoping this latest issue is only a minor setback.
Further information is expected from the Norway camp in the coming hours.
