Arsenal get fresh Martin Odegaard update as Norway star discusses Bernardo Silva 'revenge'
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard hurt his ankle following Bernardo Silva's late tackle
Norway defender Torbjorn Heggem has revealed Martin Odegaard has been "struggling" in the aftermath of Bernardo Silva's late challenge.
Odegaard did not train alongside his international team-mates on Tuesday as they took part in their penultimate training session before their Nations League clash against Wales in Cardiff.
Heggem concedes that Odegaard has been in pain in camp, explaining to Norwegian media: "We can all see that Martin is struggling now. It's not something we want on the field, that people get injured. I haven't spoken to him now, but hopefully he'll be fine and can play the next two games."
Norway actually look horns with Portugal again before the end of the international break, meaning there is going to be some serious needle between the two sides in light of the incident.
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Bologna star Heggem was also quizzed on whether Norway's players will seek revenge on Bernardo, to which he replied: "At least it's not something you can say outwardly.
"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."
Brede Hangeland, Norway's assistant coach, admitted there is a chance trouble is brewing ahead of the weekend.
"No, I hadn't forgotten it in seven days, I hadn't," he said when asked if he'd have sought revenge back when he was a player.
Bernardo has been heavily criticised since the incident as he claimed the tackle was "just football" after Portugal's 2-1 win in Oslo.
Norway's Torbjorn Heggem has admitted Martin Odegaard has been "struggling" with his ankle
Hangeland added: "That's rubbish, that tackle from Bernardo Silva. And then I see that he says it's part of football.
"Yes, it is debatable whether it should be part of football. It was an obvious, rather ugly throw-back, and I think it is good that Martin stands up for himself in that situation and gives a message.
"There is history between many players in international football, and of course there is some history between them, but right there it was Norway and Portugal.
"What happened, happened, and then I think it is at least good that Martin stands up for himself, both immediately afterwards and in the aftermath of the match."
Odegaard remains in contention to play both of Norway's upcoming matches despite skipping training.
Boss Stale Solbakken has also clarified that his medical staff remain in constant dialogue with Arsenal's medical team with the two parties sharing key information on the 27-year-old.
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