Martin Odegaard Suffers Ankle Scare After Late Silva Challenge Against Portugal

Norway’s Nations League defeat to Portugal at Ullevaal Stadium brought an immediate fitness concern for captain Martin Odegaard after a late challenge from Silva left the Arsenal midfielder struggling with an ankle problem. Erling Haaland scored for Norway in the narrow loss, but Odegaard could not take part in the side’s final attacking set-piece as they pursued an equaliser.

What changed for Norway

Odegaard was caught by a heavy tackle after he had moved the ball on in the closing stages. He appeared in discomfort after the collision, limped away from the pitch and bypassed the usual mixed-zone media duties.

The 27-year-old later criticised the nature of the challenge, saying Silva had brought him down well after the pass had been made. Odegaard said he could not understand the intention behind it and felt the action had no place in football.

There was no post-match apology from Silva, Odegaard said. Portugal’s player took a contrasting view when asked about the incident, describing it simply as part of football. Goncalo Ramos, who scored in the match, also said such physical exchanges occur regularly during games.

• Odegaard remained near the centre circle for Norway’s late corner rather than joining the attacking group.
• The injury concern is centred on his ankle after the late contact from Silva.
• Haaland’s goal was not enough to prevent Norway from losing at home.

Competition context

The result leaves Norway needing to assess their captain’s condition quickly during a Nations League window in which the squad has further important commitments. Odegaard’s absence for the decisive final moments underlined the immediate effect of the knock, with Norway unable to find the goal that would have levelled the match.

Norway’s players were unhappy with the tackle, while Portugal’s response reflected their belief that the incident fell within the normal physical demands of an international fixture. The disagreement is unlikely to alter the result, but it has shifted attention towards Odegaard’s recovery rather than Norway’s late push in Oslo.

What is scheduled next

Head coach Staale Solbakken must now monitor Odegaard ahead of Norway’s forthcoming match against Wales and the return fixture with Portugal. The midfielder admitted after the game that he was concerned about how the ankle would react overnight, although he hoped the injury would not lead to a lengthy lay-off.

Norway will wait for the swelling and pain to settle before determining whether their captain can feature in either of those upcoming internationals.