Bernardo Silva has dismissed complaints over his challenge on Martin Odegaard, insisting it is simply part of football. The Portugal midfielder's late tackle left the Arsenal star requiring treatment during Norway's Nations League defeat.
Odegaard was furious after being caught by the former Manchester City player and left the stadium in Oslo limping following the stoppage-time challenge. The 27-year-old Gunners captain had already released the ball when Silva went in from behind.
Odegaard's fury and Silva's response
The Arsenal captain unleashed an angry tirade at his opponent when they next met on the pitch and remained baffled by the intent behind the challenge after the match. Asked about what Odegaard had said and the upset he had caused, Silva offered little.
"It's football, my friend," the Real Madrid midfielder told reporters as he left Ullevaal Stadion.
Odegaard speaks out
After receiving treatment, Odegaard made a rare appearance in front of reporters and voiced his displeasure.
"It doesn't belong on a football field," he said. "It's a shame that people do that."
"It's a head fog from him," he added. "Just kicks me down long after I've played the ball away. I don't understand what he's doing."
Odegaard chose not to reveal what he said to Silva following the challenge. "I don't think we should do that on TV," he said.
Injury concerns and Havertz setback
The Arsenal skipper remains hopeful he has not suffered a serious problem to his ankle. "I hope not," he said. "But I got a knock on my ankle there, so it probably won't be good tonight."
Odegaard's knock is not the first injury issue Mikel Arteta has seen arise during the international break. Kai Havertz withdrew from Germany action last week after picking up an injury in Jurgen Klopp's first match in charge of the nation.
Havertz lasted just 30 minutes in Germany's clash against Netherlands on Thursday, suffering a hamstring injury. The forward underwent an MRI scan and could miss a number of weeks of play.
The former Chelsea star returned to Arsenal, while team-mate Jamal Musiala was released back to Bayern Munich. The German FA confirmed Havertz suffered a strain.
"Kai suffered a muscle strain yesterday and had to be substituted in the 30th minute," the DFB said in a statement. "Jamal had already sustained a torn muscle fibre in his right thigh during warm-ups before the match. This was revealed by examinations late Thursday evening. Both will leave the national team squad early today. Get well soon!"
