Norway’s preparations for their FIFA World Cup quarter-final against England have been disrupted by a sickness outbreak within the squad ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Miami.
The Norwegians secured a place in the last eight with a stunning 2-1 victory over Brazil, thanks to a brace from Erling Haaland. However, head coach Ståle Solbakken is now contending with illness concerns and the physical toll of the team’s demanding travel schedule during the tournament.
According to reports in Norway, striker Jørgen Strand Larsen missed the team’s opening World Cup match after falling ill, while defender Marcus Holmgren Pedersen was unavailable for the win over Brazil due to sickness.
Speaking about the situation, Solbakken said a number of players and staff have experienced mild symptoms.
“We’ve really only had Jorgen who has had a fever. But then there’s been a bit of coughing and rasping, scattered throughout,” he said.
“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 down with something.”
Norway’s World Cup journey has included extensive travel, with the squad flying between Boston, New Jersey, Dallas and New York. They are also scheduled to travel to Miami ahead of their quarter-final clash.
Providing an update on Pedersen, Solbakken suggested the defender’s illness may have been worsened by the physical and mental demands of the competition.
“I think, without being a doctor, that it’s a combination of the boy being young… his head is full, his body is full of impressions, and the system is collapsing a bit,” the coach said.
Despite the setback, Norway remain hopeful Pedersen will recover in time to feature against England.
England are also dealing with fitness concerns ahead of the quarter-final. Defender Reece James is continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury, while Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have had their workloads carefully managed throughout the tournament.
The Three Lions have also been dealt a major blow with the loss of experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a serious arm injury during celebrations following England’s dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Mexico.
Henderson was taken to hospital after landing awkwardly during the celebrations and is expected to undergo surgery, leaving England without one of their most experienced players for the rest of the tournament.
