Key Points

• Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard suffered an ankle injury during Norway’s 2–1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Portugal in Oslo.
• The Norwegian midfielder was limping heavily post-match following a late challenge in stoppage time from former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva.
• Ødegaard publicly criticized Silva’s tackle, stating that the action “doesn’t belong on a football field” and confirming his ankle “definitely won’t feel good tonight”.
• Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva offered a stern, dismissive response to reporters regarding the incident, stating: “It’s football, my friend”.
• German forward Kai Havertz sustained a hamstring strain while on international duty for Germany during their 1–1 UEFA Nations League draw against the Netherlands.
• Havertz was substituted in the 30th minute following a heavy tackle from Netherlands midfielder Quinten Timber and has returned to Arsenal for an MRI scan.
• Manager Mikel Arteta now faces a growing injury list as Arsenal prepare to return to Premier League action against Leeds United on 10 October.

Arsenal (North London News) September 29, 2026 – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been handed a significant double injury concern during the September international break following separate fitness blows to fundamental first-team players Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz.

As reported by sport journalist Tom Barclay of The Sun, the North London club are sweating on the condition of club captain Martin Ødegaard after he hobbled out of the Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo on Sunday night. The 27-year-old Norwegian playmaker sustained an ankle complaint during Norway’s 2–1 defeat to Portugal in the UEFA Nations League. The injury was caused by a late stoppage-time challenge from Manchester City’s former playmaker Bernardo Silva. Speaking to Norwegian host broadcaster TV2 following the final whistle, Ødegaard expressed his frustration at the tackle, stating:

“I don’t know what he’s doing. It doesn’t belong on a football field. It’s a shame that people do that, but that’s life.”

On the physical impact of the tackle, the Arsenal skipper admitted the ankle “definitely won’t feel good tonight”.

In contrast, as detailed by reporter Samuel Meade of The Mirror, Bernardo Silva showed little remorse when questioned about the incident by reporters in the mixed zone, offering a blunt response:

“It’s football, my friend”.

The setback regarding Ødegaard comes alongside news of another attacking blow earlier in the international window. As reported by football writer James Benge of CBS Sports, German forward Kai Havertz was forced off just 30 minutes into Germany’s 1–1 Nations League draw against the Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The German Football Association (DFB) subsequently confirmed that Havertz suffered a muscle strain in his hamstring following a heavy challenge from Dutch defender Quinten Timber. Havertz has since withdrawn from international duty and returned to London to undergo MRI scans with Arsenal’s medical team.

How Did the Incidents Occur During International Duty?

What Happened During Norway vs Portugal?

Norway hosted Portugal in Group D of the UEFA Nations League in Oslo. Objectives on the night were dampened as Portugal secured a 2–1 victory courtesy of goals from João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos, despite Erling Haaland finding the net for the hosts.

However, the primary talking point occurred in the 94th minute of play. With Norway attempting to mount a final attack, Bernardo Silva lunged late on Ødegaard well after the ball had been passed away. Refereeing officials issued Silva a yellow card for the foul.

As reported by Charles Watts of Goal, Ødegaard was visibly distressed on the pitch and confronted Silva immediately following the challenge. After receiving extended medical treatment on his right ankle, the 27-year-old limped directly down the tunnel at the final whistle.

What Happened During Netherlands vs Germany?

Days prior to Norway’s match, Germany faced the Netherlands in a Nations League fixture that marked Jürgen Klopp’s first official game as manager of the national team. Kai Havertz was named in the starting lineup as the central striker.

In the 28th minute, Havertz received a heavy blow to his knee and leg area following a tackle from Quinten Timber, who was shown a yellow card for the infraction. Two minutes later, Havertz signalled to the bench and sat on the turf holding his hamstring. German team trainers heavily taped his leg before replacing him with Younes Ebnoutalib in the 30th minute.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Germany manager Jürgen Klopp confirmed the situation, stating:

“Both are currently undergoing an MRI. I hope we get the diagnosis this evening. But of course, this isn’t great. I hope it’s nothing serious. The lads are probably out for us. But hopefully, they’ll be back in action relatively quickly”.

What Is the Background of This Development?

International breaks have historically presented physical challenges for Arsenal’s squad depth under Mikel Arteta. In previous seasons, key figures including Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Jesus have sustained fitness setbacks while representing their national teams.

During the September international period of 2024, Ødegaard suffered a significant ankle ligament injury while playing for Norway against Austria, which sidelined the midfielder for over two months and disrupted Arsenal’s autumn campaign. Consequently, news of a fresh ankle issue involving the club captain during international duty creates heightened sensitivity around player recovery protocols.

Furthermore, Kai Havertz has established himself as a focal point in Arteta’s tactical setup, operating as an inverted central forward or attacking midfielder. With high domestic and European fixture density approaching in October, muscle injuries represent a recurring point of management for Premier League clubs balancing multi-competition demands.

How Can This Development Affect Arsenal and Its Supporters?

The prospective absence of both Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz presents immediate tactical and operational considerations for Arsenal, its management team, and the wider fanbase:

• Tactical Alterations for Mikel Arteta: Should scans reveal lateral ligament damage for Ødegaard or a grade two hamstring tear for Havertz, Arteta will be forced to alter his midfield and attacking structures. Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, or Leandro Trossard may see increased minutes in central creative roles.
• Impact on Upcoming Fixtures: Arsenal host an unbeaten Leeds United side at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 10 October, followed shortly by key fixtures in the UEFA Champions League. Missing two senior central figures could affect team cohesion during a condensed fixture schedule.
• Squad Depth and Rotational Strain: Prolonged absences would place greater physical demand on remaining core midfielders and attackers, increasing rotational workload across domestic cup and league competitions.
• Fan Sentiment and Broadcaster Focus: For supporters, repeated international break injuries prompt ongoing debate regarding player workload, calendar congestion, and the risk management of key assets during mid-season international windows.