Norway's preparations for their World Cup quarter-final against England have been significantly disrupted by a sickness bug affecting several squad members. The team, which secured a surprise 2-1 victory over Brazil in the round of 16 thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland, now faces fitness concerns ahead of Saturday's clash in Miami.
Sickness Bug Spreads Through Squad
According to Norwegian outlet Dagbladet, Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen missed the opening game of the tournament due to illness, while defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was absent from the Brazil match with a bug. Head coach Stale Solbakken was also seen coughing violently at a press conference after Norway's 4-1 group-stage defeat to France.
Solbakken downplayed the severity, saying: 'We've really only had Jorgen who has had a fever. But then there's been a bit of coughing and rasping evenly, scattered throughout. But there's air conditioning, flights, changing rooms and all that. We're over 50 people so it would be strange if one or the other didn't come.'
Travel Fatigue Compounds Issues
Norway's World Cup journey has involved extensive travel, including flights to and from Boston, matches in New Jersey and Dallas, and the Brazil game in New York. The quarter-final in Miami adds further air miles. Solbakken expressed concern about the toll on his squad, though he hopes Pedersen will be available for the weekend, with Julian Ryerson a capable replacement.
Solbakken added: 'I think, without being a doctor, that it's a combination of the boy being young, he's come to the World Cup and thought, "I'm going to be a backup for Julian". He's had two games and played great, got a lot of impressions, his head is full, his body is full of impressions, and the system is collapsing a bit.'
England's Own Fitness Concerns
England manager Thomas Tuchel is also dealing with injury issues. Reece James has missed the last three matches with a hamstring strain, while Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have been managed carefully. Jordan Henderson has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after suffering a freak arm injury during celebrations following England's 3-2 last-16 win over Mexico.
Henderson, 36, landed awkwardly while climbing over a barrier at the Azteca Stadium, with video footage showing his forearm buckling. He left the field on a stretcher and was taken to hospital in Mexico City, not returning to England's training base in Kansas City. A member of England's medical staff remained with him. Although an unused substitute against Mexico, Henderson is a respected leader in the squad.
