Norway's preparations for their World Cup quarter-final against England have been thrown into disarray after a sickness bug swept through the squad, according to reports. Fatigue and illness have disrupted the nation's build-up to the crucial clash.
Illness disrupts squad
Having travelled thousands of miles across the tournament, there is a suggestion that the constant travel has taken its toll on the team, per Norwegian outlet Dagbladet. The squad has already been hit by bouts of illness as they navigated their way through the competition.
Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen missed Norway's first World Cup match due to illness. Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was then absent from the knockout clash against Brazil because of a bug.
Manager's concerns
Manager Stale Solbakken was spotted coughing in the press conference following Norway's 4-1 defeat to France. Solbakken has revealed his concerns about the situation.
"We've really only had Jorgen who has had a fever," he said. "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."
The illness adds to Norway's challenges as they prepare to face England in the quarter-finals, with the Three Lions looking to capitalize on any weakness in the Norwegian camp.
