Ødegaard misses Norway training, remains in doubt for Wales

Norway captain Martin Ødegaard missed Tuesday’s training session with an ankle injury but reported less pain than the previous day, leaving his availability for Thursday’s Nations League match against Wales uncertain. Norway’s medical staff are keeping Arsenal informed as they assess whether the midfielder can return to training before the game. Ødegaard sustained the injury late in Norway’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal on Sunday, when he was caught by a challenge from Bernardo Silva after playing the ball. He later said the challenge was unnecessary, and Norway coach Ståle Solbakken also described it that way. Ødegaard was seen limping after the match. Assistant coach Brede Hangeland said Ødegaard had been with the squad at breakfast and was in good spirits, with less ankle pain than on Monday. Hangeland said about two and a half days remained before the Wales match and that Ødegaard would be allowed to judge what he could do in training based on how his ankle responded. The improvement has not yet established whether he will be fit to play. Solbakken said Norway’s medical team was in near-continuous contact with Arsenal and shared information about Ødegaard’s condition and training.