Online Reporter
NORWAY are struggling with a number of illnesses within their squad just days before facing England in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The Scandinavian side stunned Brazil last week thanks to two goals from Erling Haaland to book their spot in the final eight.
They will take on England on Saturday evening at Miami Stadium in Florida.
But the days between now and then will involve a race against time as the squad attempt to get over a number of illnesses in the squad.
There are tensions in the camp regarding several players not being totally fit for the fixture, according to Norwegian publication Dagbladet.
Crystal Palace star Jorgen Strand Larsen was forced to miss training ahead of the side’s World Cup opener against Iraq, and ended up being an unused substitute in the fixture.
Marcus Holmgren Pedersen, who scored against Senegal in the side’s second group game, was not able to feature against Brazil because of his own illness.
Manager Stale Solbakken – who himself was spotted coughing violently while speaking to the press – acknowledged the illnesses, and attributed them to the squad’s busy, jet-setting schedule.
The team have played in Boston, New Jersey, Boston again, Dallas and New Jersey since the World Cup started.
Solbakken said:
“Really, only Jorgen has had a fever, though there’s been some coughing and rasping here and there. But then again, there’s the air conditioning, the flying, the traveling, and all that.
“There are over fifty of us, so it would be strange if nothing popped up.”
There have been questions in Norway about the side’s post-match celebrations after beating Brazil.
But Solbakken played down suggestions the players were given “free reign” to enjoy themselves after the historic win.
The manager confirmed: “They were allowed to go out and enjoy themselves.”
It is not known how many or which other players may be affected by the “coughing and rasping.”
But the travelling Norway squad will have three days of preparation to get as fit as possible for Saturday’s clash, after landing in Miami on Tuesday.
Following England’s impressive 3-2 win over Mexico, boss Thomas Tuchel gave his side two days off.
England will be without Jarell Quansah after his red card against Mexico, while Reece James faces a race against time to be fit for the Norway fixture – Sun.
