Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland has confirmed reports that a sickness bug is circulating within the squad ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against England. The revelation adds an unexpected twist to the build-up of the highly anticipated match at Miami Stadium.
Nyland Confirms Illness in Norway Camp
Speaking on FOX Sports' 'After Hours' programme with English presenter James Corden, the Sevilla shot-stopper stated: "I can confirm that it's true. We have had our problems. We're doing the best that we can and the team doctor is very busy at the moment." The problems are understood to have dated back to the group stage, though team doctor Ola Sand had sought to downplay speculation.
Corden jokingly urged Nyland to verify the news before taking on his nation, and upon confirmation, responded: "I'm so happy to hear that. I really am."
Impact on Norway's Preparations
Earlier in the tournament, Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen revealed he was "lying in a hospital bed for two days straight" before Norway's group-stage win over Iraq. Multiple members of the coaching staff, including manager Stale Solbakken, have also reportedly experienced coughs and throat complaints in recent weeks.
Corden pushed for explanations, joking that Manhattan hot dogs around their last match at New York New Jersey Stadium may have been responsible. Nyland replied: "I don't have any clue. We do have some time off, so maybe someone contracted [something] during the time off. But hopefully everything goes well and we face England with a fully rested squad on Saturday."
Norway's Historic World Cup Run
Despite the illness, Norway produced a shock 2-1 victory over Brazil in the last 16, with Erling Haaland scoring a match-winning double. Nyland himself put in a standout performance, making several outstanding stops including one from a Bruno Guimaraes spot-kick. Solbakken will hope to have a complete roster available for Norway's maiden World Cup quarter-final, as they are already experiencing their best campaign in World Cup history following a 28-year absence and are now just two victories from reaching a first-ever final.
